Weekly Pulpit John 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, According to prophecy the Messiah was to fill the three offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. Carnal expectation ignored the two former, and built its hopes on the latter. They were unwilling to be taught by the Prophet, they could not support the Priest, as His demand of sacrifices and offerings was beyond the extent of their love for religion; but they were willing that a King might reign over them. The kingly idea attached to the person of Christ agitated them the most. The Roman soldiers crowned and worshipped Him in derision; these were the rugged steps leading up to His throne. I. THE CROWN OF THORNS WAS AN EMBLEM OF THE ASCENDANCY OF JESUS THROUGH SUFFERING TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE WORLD. "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?" &c. The course was not understood by His persecutors, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels," &c. He gave to all the subjects of His future kingdom an example of — 1. Willing service. Even with the crown on His head, His last strength was spent in the service of truth and justice. 2. Entire submission to the will of God. "He was oppressed," &c. Such an example of service and submission claims for Him the crown which the thorns symbolized. II. THE PURPLE ROBE WAS EMBLEMATIC OF THE POWER WHICH HE WOULD EXERCISE OVER MANKIND. The other evangelists call it scarlet, but a robe with the colour of red in it was generally called purple. The one used was, no doubt, an old left-off robe of the proconsul. It was an emblem of power, worn by governors and generals. A reed was also put in His hand to represent the seeptre. Jesus is King — 1. By Divine appointment. "Yet have I set My King upon My holy Hill of Zion." The government was to be on His shoulder. All judgments are committed to His care. 2. By virtue of His influence. Men's thoughts are captive to the obedience of Christ. The hearts of the sons of men are in His hand. The kingdoms of this world are bowing to His authority. The angels of God worship Him. III. THE MOCK HOMAGE WHICH WAS PAID IS AN EMBLEM OF THE ADORATION WHICH HE WILL RECEIVE (ver. 3). They saluted Him in terms of loyalty which they did not feel; but myriads have since said, "Crown Him Lord of all." The vision reveals the four and twenty elders casting their crowns before the throne. And in another vision, "On His head were many crowns." (Weekly Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, |
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