READING: Matthew 27:1-31, Mark 15:1-20, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28-19:16
“And they knelt down before him and mocked him.”
Matthew 27:29
Sometimes the Scriptures are nothing less than gripping. They grab your heart, dig deeply, and humble you. Today’s reading has a way of doing that, though I must be honest that these texts also raise anger in me:
- “They stripped him and dressed him in a scarlet robe. They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his head, and placed a staff in his right hand. And they knelt down before him and mocked him: ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” (Matt. 27:28-29)
- “They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees, they were paying him homage.” (Mark 15:19)
- “Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated him with contempt, mocked him, dressed him in bright clothing, and sent him back to Pilate.” (Luke 23:11)
- “And they kept coming up to him and saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and were slapping his face.” (John 19:3)
I suppose I might be able to understand their thinking if I were somehow able to put myself in the boots of the pagan Roman soldiers – but I can’t do that. In no way can I separate my salvation from the One who purchased it for me. Others may mock Him and give Him a make-believe crown, but I pray that my life would only honor Him. I want my kneeling to be honest and my praise to be genuine.
He truly is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, regardless of how the soldiers treated Him.
ACTION STEPS:
- Spend time today considering the arrest of Jesus. Walk through His pain on your behalf.
- Praise Him with integrity today.
PRAYER: “Jesus, You are the King who is worthy of our praise. I bow my heart before You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 27:32-66, Mark 15:21-47, Luke 23:26-56, John 19:17-42, Psalm 22