"They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. 'Hail, king of the Jews!' they said."
-Matthew 27: 28-29

A Crown Of Thorns

There is a constant battle I fight against myself. It is a fight against my own selfishness and ego. Our world has a lot of 'trappings' with which to ensnare us. We are taught in our culture a 'me first attitude.' What's in it for me? What am I going to get out of it? I DESERVE only the best! That it is NOT FAIR when things don't go my way. Sound familiar? I am guilty of this. But then I'm reminded of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, and the example that he set for us all. While I often think that I am entitled to a crown of jewels, an easy life, and servants to meet my every need, Jesus' life is testimony to a much different path.

Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, didn't receive a crown of jewels while here on earth. Instead, His crown was made of thorns. "They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. 'Hail, king of the Jews!' they said." (Matthew 27: 28-29) While many of us think we're entitled to the 'easy life,' Jesus, the Son of God, took up a cross. "Carrying his own cross, he went to the place of the Skull. Here they crucified him, and with him two others-one on each side and Jesus in the middle." (John 19: 17-18) While we may think it is our right to be served by others what does Jesus' words and life show us? "For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves." (Luke 22: 27) While I may think I am worthy of great things...I reminded that Jesus came to our world, wore a crown of thorns, carried His own cross, and served those around Him. While I am all too comfortable on the 'wide road,' Jesus tells me..."But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7: 14)

How humbling! Where would we be today if Jesus had not chosen Calvary? "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him..." (Hebrews 5: 7-9). Jesus is the 'source of salvation for all who obey him.' Thank you, Jesus! And what is it He asks from us? "...If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9: 23) Jesus asks nothing of us that He hasn't done Himself. So are you ready to follow His lead and take up the cross, to serve and not be served, to wear a crown of thorns?

Take a moment and encourage someone this week!

I pray that all is well with you. Let me know if you any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"Carrying his own cross, he went to the place of the Skull. Here they crucified him, and with him two others-one on each side and Jesus in the middle."
-John 19: 17-18

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