Scripture
16 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.
Reflection
In this account we see the Roman soldiers mock Jesus by asserting He’s the King of the Jews. The irony of this statement is the very same people who wanted Jesus dead and initiated all of this were Jews. These Jewish people clearly didn’t see Jesus as their King or at least an earthly king who would save the people from Rome’s rule. Their eyes were blinded and couldn’t see Jesus was a King of a heavenly Kingdom, who came to save them from their sin and not Rome. Thus, by putting a purple robe on Jesus (which signifies royalty), placing a crown (of thorns) on Jesus and paying respect (falsely) to Him, the soldiers took elements associated to royalty to make fun of Jesus and the whole situation.
Similarly, we can sometimes also get so ‘blinded’ by our immediate situations, that we completely fail to see the real reason what Jesus wants to do in our lives or wants to save us from.
(Con).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Short prayers for the day, “Jesus; let me see you”, “God, I belong to you”, “Holy Spirit, come”
