The Crown of Thorns
Who would think to make a crown of thorns to put on someone’s head? That is just plain cruel. Yet, the guards who watched over Jesus, those who taunted Him, made fun of Him and mocked Him did just that. They wove together a crown made of thorns. Then, in an act of complete mockery, they placed the crown upon His head.
Placed it on His head. I doubt if it was that easy. I have a crown of thorns that was given to me many years ago. Every year during Holy Week, I will take that crown out. I hold it in my hands and imagine what it must have been like to have that placed on Jesus’ head. I will gingerly place it on my head, careful to not let the thorns pierce my skin. Then I think about how they must have jammed that crown upon His head. The agony, the pain, the blood, the tears, the laughter, yes, laughter as they watched this “King of the Jews” cringe under the pain of that crown.
He wore that crown so that you and I can wear another crown. In Revelation 2:10, we hear Jesus say, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Through faith in Jesus Christ, you and I are given a crown to wear. It is not a crown of thorns to cause us to suffer but it is a crown of life, glorious life eternal, a crown of one who is given eternal life. We wear this crown while He wears the crown of thorns. It doesn’t seem right.
He does that to take our place. He suffered in our stead. He bore the pain of our sins and gives to us the joys of eternal life. A crown of thorns worn by the Son of God, so that the sinner, you and me, might be given the crown of life. Thank You Jesus for loving me so much, that You have taken all my punishment and have given me Your righteousness.
May the Lord grant you a blessed Good Friday,
