Introduction:
The scene in Mark 15:17 is one of the most humiliating moments in human history — not just for Jesus, but for mankind itself. Soldiers dressed Him in purple, the color of royalty, but not to honor Him — to mock Him. They twisted together a crown of thorns, forcing it onto His head, laughing at the One who created the heavens and the earth.
Yet, even in their mockery, they accidentally told the truth — He was, and is, the King of Kings.
I. The Purple Robe — The Mockery of His Majesty
The Roman soldiers clothed Jesus in a purple robe. In their culture, purple symbolized royalty, power, and wealth — but Jesus stood before them beaten, bloodied, and bound. They thought they were ridiculing a “fake king,” but they were unknowingly fulfilling prophecy.
Isaiah 50:6 says, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”
They mocked what they could not understand — a King who rules not with swords, but with sacrifice.
Application:
Many still mock His kingship today — when they deny His lordship, laugh at His Word, or live as if He’s not coming back. But just like that purple robe, their mockery will one day testify of His true majesty.
II. The Crown of Thorns — The Symbol of Suffering
They platted a crown of thorns and pressed it upon His head. The thorns were not random; they were the fruit of the curse from Genesis 3:18 — “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee.”
The curse that came through Adam was now borne upon the brow of Christ. Every thorn that pierced His skin represented sin’s curse being transferred to the Redeemer.
Spiritual Insight:
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The thorns speak of pain and shame.
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The crown speaks of authority and victory.
When Jesus wore that crown, He showed that even suffering is under His dominion.
Application:
What the world uses to hurt you, God can use to crown you. The pain that pierced your heart may become the testimony that reveals His power.
III. The Mocked King — The Hidden Glory
They saluted Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Mark 15:18). To them, this was a cruel joke. But heaven saw it differently. Even in that dark hour, Christ was being enthroned — not on a golden seat, but on a wooden cross.
His crown was not made of gold, but of suffering. His robe was stained, not with royal ink, but with His own blood. Yet from that place of pain came our redemption.
Philippians 2:9-10 declares, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
The mockers bowed in jest, but one day “every knee shall bow” — not in mockery, but in worship.
IV. Lessons for the Believer
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Endure the Mockery:
Don’t be surprised when the world mocks your faith. If they mocked the Master, they’ll mock His servants. But remember, mockery cannot remove majesty. -
Wear Your Thorns with Purpose:
Every trial and wound you endure for Christ adds to your eternal testimony. What’s painful now may become your crown later. -
Recognize the Royalty of Jesus:
Don’t just call Him King — make Him King. Let His rule govern your thoughts, choices, and destiny.
Conclusion: The King Crowned with Thorns
When they placed that crown of thorns on His head, they thought they were breaking Him. But they were actually coronating Him — the Suffering Servant turned Sovereign Savior.
From that cruel mockery rose the greatest majesty. From that painful cross came eternal life. And from that bleeding brow came the hope of every believer.
So today, remember this truth:
They mocked Him, but He’s still King. They wounded Him, but He still reigns. They crucified Him, but He still saves.