Mark 15:16-24

“And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” vss, 17-18

Once Pilate’s decision had been made, the Roman soldiers took custody of Jesus and had their way with him. They knew nothing of him, only that he was said to be the King of the Jews. As soldiers forced to live in a strange and foreign land they decided to use this information to make sport of his crucifixion. Someone had the idea to strip off his clothes, clothe him in a purple cloak, and fashion him a crown of thorns. They found it amusing to bow down before him, strike him with a reed and spit on him. It’s the kind of torture that would enliven the day for bored recruits. What they didn’t know was that the man they were ridiculing really was the King of the Jews. What they also didn’t know was that their actions actually elevated Jesus among those who had become his disciples. Their torturing efforts were forever remembered and the image of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns has become iconic, and it really is the reason so many continue to be drawn to him. He is our suffering savior and in his wounds millions have seen the sacrificial love of God. Because of what he endured we know that we have a companion in our own suffering. However bad life might be, we are not alone!

Thought for the Day: What’s the point of torture?