So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands. Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
The crown of thorns. The above Bible verse talks about the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ. It mentions the crown of thorns that was fashioned and put on Christ’s head. Think about this crown, really think about it. It was probably similar to the one in the picture. Thorns protruding on all sides. When placed on Christ’s head it most likely was not gently placed but pushed down with force, piecing His skin. Blood ran down His face spilling onto the ground. Can you imagine the pain from just this crown of thorns?
There was so much more than that. Christ was also beaten, spit at, cursed at, and pieced through His hands and feet by nails that were most likely very long and thick. They did not have the machines we have today to make them sharp, so the nails Christ knew were not the nails we know today. It is impossible to imagine the pain Christ endured throughout the whole crucifixion. There is simply no way to truly comprehend what He went through. The greatest realization is that He went through all of this, and more, for our sins. He paid the price for us. And yet, while we were still sinners, He asked His heavenly Father to forgive us.
We are all sinners in need of a savior. Each time any one of us does something that goes against God’s law, anytime we sin, God weeps. And yet, He still holds out His hand, reaching for us and hoping we will take His hand and repent. The moment any one of us repents, truly repents, turning away from sin and turning towards God, all the heavens rejoice.
Take the outstretched hand, hold tight to God. Repent of your sins, turn away from them, and turn toward the One who gave all, who paid the price, who wants us all with Him for eternity. Be humble. Accept this great gift. He died for us.