Mark 15:17
And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crowne of thornes, and put it about his head, Mark 15:17 (KJV)
Mark 15:17 is part of the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion. It takes place after Jesus was handed over to Pilate, the Roman governor, by the religious leaders. The soldiers, as a form of mockery, dressed Jesus in a purple robe and placed a crown of thorns on His head.
Purple was a colour associated with royalty and power. By clothing Jesus in a purple robe, the soldiers were sarcastically acknowledging His claim to be the King of the Jews. This mockery of Jesus’ kingship highlights the contrast between the earthly understanding of power and the true nature of Jesus’ kingship, which is rooted in humility, servanthood, and sacrificial love.
Thorns represent the consequences of sin and the curse of the fall in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:17‑18). In Genesis, thorns were a result of the ground being cursed because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. The crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head represents the weight of humanity’s sins and the suffering He would endure on the cross as the sacrificial Lamb of God. It also serves as a visual representation of Jesus’ identification with humanity’s pain, suffering, and the curse of sin.
The clothing of Jesus in a purple robe and the placement of a crown of thorns were a fulfilment of prophecies foretold in the Old Testament. Psalm 22:16‑18 describes the suffering of the Messiah, including the piercing of His hands and feet, and the casting of lots for His garments; the actions of the soldiers align with this prophecy. Isaiah 53:3‑5 also prophesies the Messiah’s suffering and describes Him as a “man of sorrows” who would bear our griefs and carry our sorrows, and the crown of thorns symbolises His identification with human suffering.
The mockery and humiliation Jesus endured remind us of His love for humanity and His willingness to endure such suffering on our behalf. It teaches us about the true nature of Jesus’ kingship, which is characterised by humility, sacrifice, and servant leadership. The crown of thorns serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the immense price Jesus paid to redeem us. It encourages us to approach Jesus with reverence, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the depth of His love and sacrifice.
Mark 15:17 is a powerful verse that captures the mockery and humiliation Jesus experienced before His crucifixion. It calls us to live in gratitude and humility as we follow Him, ever mindful of the immense sacrifice He made on our behalf.
