Mark 15:17

And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

Mark 15:17 (KJV)

Context

Mark 15:17 stands within the Passion narrative, immediately after Jesus is handed over to Pilate and before His crucifixion. The Roman soldiers, as an act of mockery, dress Jesus in a purple robe and place a crown of thorns on His head. This event is part of a series of abuses, including striking Him on the head with a staff and spitting on Him, as recorded in the surrounding verses.

Meaning

Purple was a colour associated with royalty and power in the ancient world. 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.

The crown of thorns, twisted together, serves as a painful and humiliating parody of a royal crown, intensifying the mockery. Thorns also 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.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in John 19:2 describes the same action by the soldiers, confirming the historical event. The clothing of Jesus in a purple robe and the placement of a crown of thorns also align with Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah’s suffering. Psalm 22:16-18 describes the piercing of His hands and feet and the casting of lots for His garments, while Isaiah 53:3-5 portrays Him as a “man of sorrows” who would bear our griefs and carry our sorrows. The crown of thorns symbolises His identification with human suffering.

Application

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.

Reflection

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.