Entering the celebration of Easter is always a time of reminisce on what Jesus has done to save our souls. An amazing act of selfish love the moment He spread his arms willingly on the cross. Resurrected from death, breaking the gates of hell, and laying down the stepping stones to eternal life while wearing the Victors Crown. When we look at our Savior, our Redeemer, we cannot ignore the physical brutality around the events of His crucifixion. The prophesied Word of God manifesting on earth just like in the scrolled amphitheater of ancient scripture. Though there are many significant symbolism and topics about the crucifixion, I would like to draw your attention to the Crown of Thorns placed on the head of our King. Matthew 27:29 “When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying: “Hail, King of the Jews!”
I’ve often wondered “Why thorns?” when I looked at the art depicting the crucifixion of Christ. Except for the fact that it drew blood and intentionally hurt Jesus, there must be a deeper and spiritual significance around thorns. Stepping in a thorn is no fun. Especially those long, white acacia thorns. It burns, yet still itches. It draws blood and is painful for hours and sometimes days after the injury. Even the little thorns we know as “paper thorns” can cause quite a discomfort. We know that “thorns and thistles” are symbolism of the curse of sin on the earth since the fall of man. Genesis 3:17-18 “Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. |
Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field.” Thorns, symbolizing the cursed fruit of our labor on earth, were pleated into a crown that symbolizes our salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Roman and Greek influences of that day and age brings an interesting idea to the thorn crown. Ancient Greeks had a marriage custom where the bride was crowned with a wreath of thorny and fragrant Acanthus. This custom was to symbolize the need for the groom to be patient with his bride as these girls were married off from the age of 14. According to Plutarch, Moralia 138 D ‘For this plant yields the finest flavored fruit from the roughest thorns, and so the bride will provide for him who does not run away or feel annoyed at her first display of peevishness and unpleasantness a docile and sweet life together’ We are the chosen bride for Christ, and we prepare ourselves with the eternal union with Him, and His patience with us is clearly visible through His grace. Revelations 19:7 “Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.”
The Roman and Greek influences of that day and age brings an interesting idea to the thorn crown. Ancient Greeks had a marriage custom where the bride was crowned with a wreath of thorny and fragrant Acanthus. This custom was to symbolize the need for the groom to be patient with his bride as these girls were married off from the age of 14. According to Plutarch, Moralia 138 D ‘For this plant yields the finest flavored fruit from the roughest thorns, and so the bride will provide for him who does not run away or feel annoyed at her first display of peevishness and unpleasantness a docile and sweet life together’ We are the chosen bride for Christ, and we prepare ourselves with the eternal union with Him, and His patience with us is clearly visible through His grace. Revelations 19:7 “Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.”
But in their grotesque display of mocking Jesus, the intention of the Roman soldiers was a cruel parody of the Stephanpos. The victors’ wreath presented to royal personages as tribute to military prowess, decorating those who saved the lives of Roman citizens during war. It became imperial regalia since Augustus, who at that time was hailed as “Savior of the World” Even in their mocking display of the true Savior of the World, Jesus was crowned in glory and honor unto eternity wearing the Victors Crown of Thorns. Hebrews 2:9 “But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus,crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” |
I fondly think of childhood memories where I pretended to be a princess. I was proudly wearing a beautiful plastic crown and pretended that my father was a mighty king who loved his little princess dearly. And as I grew more spiritually in the wisdom of God, I felt that God used beautiful verses from the Bible as written letters declaring His love. Jesus wore the crown of thorns so I can be free and to hold on to Gods promise: I will be crowned as a righteous one of the most High King. 2 Timothy 4:8 “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Our King was crucified with a Crown of Thorns. Our King rose wearing the Victors Crown for ever more. Our King willingly spread His arms to be crucified. Our Kings’ arms will always be spread open waiting for us. And all this, because He loves us.
Shalom Shalom,
Iriza
Join us for the new Daily Devotionals: Letters to my Princess! If you are not part of our mobile list on Whatsapp or would like to be part of the Women of the Word prayer group, please send us your details.
Our King was crucified with a Crown of Thorns. Our King rose wearing the Victors Crown for ever more. Our King willingly spread His arms to be crucified. Our Kings’ arms will always be spread open waiting for us. And all this, because He loves us.
Shalom Shalom,
Iriza
Join us for the new Daily Devotionals: Letters to my Princess! If you are not part of our mobile list on Whatsapp or would like to be part of the Women of the Word prayer group, please send us your details.