“The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him.18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.” Mark 15.16-20
What were the objects used in Jesus’ crucifixion? In this segment of Scripture alone, there were two symbols of kingship: a crown and a robe. And the place where this took place was in a palace. How ironic that the King of the World, mocked as the king of the Jews, would wear a crown and a robe in an earthly palace.
Of course, these objects were forced upon Jesus. He did not willingly accept them, nor did he use his power to resist. Make no mistake, he had the power, and he could have resisted. The Son of God grew back ears, raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, cursed a fig tree, and multiplied bread and fish—he could have dismissed a few soldiers and rejected their mocking.
But upon his head, he allowed a crown made of thorns to be placed, a purple robe upon his already bleeding and bruised body, and chants of “Hail, king of the Jews!” to be shouted. They hit him on the head with a staff and spat upon him, “falling to their knees they paid homage to him.”
Jesus would have the final word. Those kneeling to him in mockery during his crucifixion would one day bow to him on the final day. They may not bow willingly, but they would without a doubt suffer judgment.
It saddens my heart that many still reject Christ, choosing to live in sin over choosing the Savior. The soldiers and Jews rejected Christ as King, but we can learn from their mistakes as we repent, turn from our wicked ways, and return to God’s original designs for our lives.
Jesus endured the shame so that we might have life. Will you live into that gift of life today? Will you call upon the name of the Lord, repent, and believe the Good News?
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me and for enduring the cross for my shame. Thank you that you have brought salvation to the world. I praise you, Lord, and glorify your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen