Thursday, April 7, 2011
John 19:2-3 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe. And went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!"
SHAME FOR JESUS, GLORY FOR US
Perhaps nowhere in the Bible is the bitter passion of Christ described more vividly than Psalm 22. In this psalm King David, speaking prophetically, reveals what the coming Messiah would think and feel in His innermost soul in the final hours of His life. One brush stroke David uses in painting his portrait is as follows: "Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me" (vv. 12-13).
When the Roman men of war platted together the crown of thorns, put it on His head, dressed Him in a kingly robe, and bowed the knee in mock adoration, Jesus felt as if He was being hemmed in on every side by a pack of wild dogs. Oh, the indignity of it all! The Lord of glory whom angels joyfully serve, before whom all people shall one day pay homage, permits Himself to be made the butt of ugly jokes by evil-minded men!
Why? Because of His love for you and me. Jesus endured such humiliation in order that we might become honored citizens of His eternal kingdom through faith in Him, our beautiful Savior.
Heartless scoffers did surround Thee, Treating Thee with shameful scorn,
And with piercing thorns they crowned Thee. All disgrace Thou, Lord, hast borne
That as Thine Thou mightest own me And with heavenly glory crown me.
Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 151:4)
