The Mocked King

And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
Mark 15:16–20
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The Mocked King
Jesus is mocked by soldiers, who dress Him in a purple robe, crown Him with thorns, and salute Him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They strike and spit on Him, bowing in false homage. In this humiliating spectacle, the depth of Christ’s love is revealed. Despite being the true King, Jesus endures ridicule and pain, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy: "He was despised and rejected by men." His suffering was for our sake, bearing our sins and shame. As we reflect on this scene, we see our own sinfulness in the soldiers' actions. Yet, Jesus willingly faced this mockery to save us. His kingship is one of sacrificial love and grace. May we honor Him not with mockery, but with genuine worship, acknowledging His sacrifice and living in the light of His love.