-August 11, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Lord’s Day,
“When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”
(Matthew 27:29).
Everything about crucifixion was agonizing. The Romans didn’t invent it, but they perfected it. Even before the cross, He was beaten, scourged, and mocked. The soldiers treated Jesus worse than the criminals who were being crucified on each side of of Him. He was numbered with the transgressors, though He was sinless and holy.
The soldiers took thorns and twisted or wove them into a crown. They jammed on His head, inflicting much pain. Tradition has it that the thorns used on Jesus’ crown came from the date-palm tree, and grew up to 12 inches; they were very strong and sharp.
The crown of thorns He wore were meant as a mockery and humiliation. But God turned them into a lesson to the whole world that Jesus bore our sin and shame. It became a symbol of our redemption.
The very first mention of thorns in the Bible are in connection with man’s sin. God said to Adam, “…cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat of the herb of the field” (Genesis 3:17b-18).
The crown of thorns also represents the curse of the law which Jesus bore for us on the cross. We deserved to wear that crown, but through our salvation we will wear a different crown, the crown of righteousness. Jesus too wears a different crown now as King of kings and Lord of Lords. It is a royal crown of honor and splendor. Let us never forget the price that our Savior paid on the cross.
Have a blessed day of worship and remembrance. Stay safe and healthy.
Jesus’ flesh was torn by thorns and nails, He did all for us.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 