What a Way to Treat the King!
Rev. Enoch Thompson | October 21 2024 | John 19:1-3
KEY VERSE:
² The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe ³ and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face. John 19:2-3 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
It never stops to amaze me the extent of injustice that the sinless Jesus Christ was subjected to, particularly in the trials that culminated in His crucifixion. When the Governor, Pilate had finished with his conscienceless politically motivated flogging of Jesus Christ, the soldiers were emboldened to take over the game and make a mockery of the Man in their possession and power. Though they were rubbing the salt into the wounds of their prisoner, they unknowingly demonstrated the real meaning of what they intended to mock by their actions.
They pretended to crown Jesus king by twisting together a crown of thorns for His head. They went before Him and bowed before Him, and said "Hail, king of the Jews!" And then they struck Him in the face; O what a way to treat a king. But that is what my sin and yours and of all humanity did to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He was chastised for our iniquities, and the punishment that would bring us freedom and peace was laid upon Him.
The hymn writer captures the message of the text beautifully, and we may sing it all day today and all our lifetime:
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned He stood, Sealed my pardon with His blood, Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you acknowledge Jesus as your King? Do you bow to Him in worship and then slap Him in the face? May God save us from such wickedness!
PRAYER:
O King disrespected and mocked, so that I can find dignity and become a child of God, thank you for suffering for me, that through your shame I have gained royalty. Help me, dear Jesus, to truly bow and truly say, "Hail, king of the Jews!" May my worship be true and real. May I hail you King over all my life. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: THORNS The word "thorns" comes from the Greek akantha (ἄκανθα), meaning a sharp, spiny plant. Thorns were often used to describe objects or situations that cause pain or suffering. The crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head was a painful mockery of His kingship, turning a symbol of royalty into an instrument of torture. Thorns, often representing suffering and the curse of sin, remind us of the depth of Christ’s sacrifice. Though deserving of a crown of glory, Jesus bore a crown of pain, taking on the brokenness of the world to bring redemption and healing. Reflections: The crown of thorns was a symbol of mockery, yet it revealed the depth of Christ’s kingship and sacrifice. How can we honour His suffering through the way we live and serve others?
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