Embracing the Crown of Thorns: A Call to Hope

Sep 14, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Bore the Curse of Sin for Us

On the cross, Jesus willingly endured humiliation, mockery, and unimaginable suffering, not because he was powerless, but because he chose to bear the curse of sin on our behalf. Unlike earthly kings who send others to suffer for their benefit, Jesus, the King of Kings, took upon himself the pain, disgrace, and punishment that we deserved. In doing so, he broke the power of sin and death, offering us freedom and redemption. This act of sacrificial love is at the very heart of the gospel, showing us a King who fights for his people by giving his own life so that we might be lifted up and restored as sons and daughters in his kingdom. [05:06]

Matthew 27:27-31 (ESV)
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember that Jesus has already borne the curse for you—where are you still living as if you must earn God’s favor or carry your own shame?

Day 2: The Crown of Thorns—A Symbol of the Curse Broken

The crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head was not just a cruel mockery, but a powerful symbol: thorns, which first appeared as a result of humanity’s sin in Genesis, represent the curse that entered the world through disobedience. By wearing this crown, Jesus visibly took the curse upon himself, fulfilling God’s plan to redeem and restore what was broken. This act was not accidental; it was the fulfillment of ancient prophecy and the culmination of God’s providence, showing that even in the darkest moments, God’s purposes are being accomplished for our salvation. [21:40]

Genesis 3:17-19 (ESV)
And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Reflection: What “thorns” or consequences of sin do you see in your life or the world around you, and how does knowing Jesus wore the crown of thorns for you change the way you face them?

Day 3: Christ Redeemed Us by Becoming a Curse for Us

Jesus’ crucifixion was not just a historical tragedy; it was the moment when he became a curse for us, taking upon himself the penalty and consequences of our sin so that we could be set free. The apostle Paul explains that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse in our place, fulfilling the Scriptures and breaking the power of sin and death. This “great exchange” means that we are no longer defined by our failures or the curse, but by the freedom and blessing Jesus secured for us through his sacrifice. [21:40]

Galatians 3:13 (ESV)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.”

Reflection: Is there a specific area where you feel weighed down by guilt or shame? How can you embrace the truth that Jesus became a curse for you so you could be free?

Day 4: The Crown of Life—Sharing in Christ’s Victory

Because Jesus endured suffering and death, he is now crowned with glory and honor, and he promises that those who trust in him will also receive a crown of life. The crowns promised in Scripture—righteousness, life, and glory—are given to those who remain steadfast in faith, even through hardship. Our hope is not in a pain-free life now, but in the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world and that, through him, we too will share in his victory and eternal life. [32:00]

James 1:12 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Reflection: Where are you facing trials or discouragement today, and how can the promise of the “crown of life” help you persevere with hope?

Day 5: Responding to Jesus—Living for the Right Crown

The gospel calls us to respond to what Jesus has done—not by chasing after the fleeting crowns of this world, but by surrendering our hearts to him and living as his ambassadors. Jesus wore the crown of thorns so we could receive the crown of life, and now he invites us to share his love and truth with a world in need. There is an urgency to this call, as none of us knows how much time we have; today is the day to take the next step in following Jesus, whether that means getting right with God, growing as a disciple, or reaching out to others with his message of hope. [37:08]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Reflection: What is one specific step you sense God calling you to take today—whether in surrender, obedience, or sharing his love with someone who needs it?

Sermon Summary

In Matthew 27, the scene unfolds with Jesus, the King of Kings, being mocked, humiliated, and ultimately crowned with thorns. This is a striking reversal of what we expect from royalty. While the world chases after crowns of gold, privilege, and honor, Jesus willingly embraces poverty, disgrace, and suffering. He does not send others to suffer for his benefit, as earthly kings do; instead, he steps into the place of the lowest, taking on the curse that rightfully belonged to us. The crown of thorns is not just a symbol of mockery, but a profound sign of what Jesus was accomplishing—bearing the curse of sin that entered the world through humanity’s rebellion.

From the very beginning, thorns represented the curse that came upon creation because of sin. When Adam and Eve turned from God, the world was marred, and thorns began to grow as a sign of that brokenness. Jesus, by wearing the crown of thorns, was taking that curse upon himself. He was not just suffering physically; he was absorbing the full weight of sin and its consequences, so that the power of the curse could be broken for us. This is the great exchange: Jesus takes our curse, and in return, offers us his blessing—the crown of life.

The story of Simon of Cyrene, compelled to carry Jesus’ cross, reminds us that encountering Jesus in his suffering can change the trajectory of our lives. Simon and his family became prominent followers, transformed by what they witnessed. The cross is not just a historical event; it is an invitation to respond, to believe, and to receive the new life Jesus offers.

Even as we live in a world still marked by evil and suffering, the hope Jesus brings is not diminished. He has overcome the world, and for those who trust in him, there is the promise of a crown of righteousness, glory, and life. The delay in the final removal of evil is God’s mercy, as he continues to call people into his kingdom. In the meantime, we are called to live as ambassadors, sharing the hope and love of Christ with urgency, knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed. The question remains: which crown are you living for—the fleeting crowns of this world, or the eternal crown that Jesus offers through his sacrifice?

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus’ Kingship Redefined: Jesus redefines what it means to be a king by embracing humiliation, suffering, and the curse of sin, rather than privilege and honor. He does not demand sacrifice from his people but becomes the sacrifice himself, showing a radically different kind of leadership rooted in self-giving love. This challenges us to reconsider our own ideas of greatness and authority in light of his example. [05:06]
2. The Paradox of Providence: Even in the midst of human evil and suffering, God’s purposes are not thwarted. The very actions meant to humiliate and destroy Jesus were, in fact, fulfilling God’s plan for salvation. This paradox invites us to trust that God is at work even when circumstances seem chaotic or senseless, orchestrating redemption through the darkest moments. [12:14]
3. The Curse and the Crown: The crown of thorns is a vivid symbol of Jesus taking the curse of sin upon himself. Thorns, which entered creation as a result of humanity’s rebellion, are now placed on the head of the sinless one. In this act, Jesus addresses not just the symptoms of evil but its root, breaking the power of the curse for all who trust in him. [20:32]
4. Suffering, Salvation, and the Crown of Life: The insults hurled at Jesus—“If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross”—miss the profound truth that it was by not saving himself that he saved others. True victory and glory come through suffering and faithfulness, not through avoidance of pain. For those who endure and trust in Christ, there is the promise of a crown of life that far surpasses any earthly reward. [30:43]
5. Urgency and Ambassadorship: The ongoing presence of evil and suffering in the world is not a sign of God’s failure, but of his patience and mercy as he continues to call people to himself. We are invited to respond with urgency—whether by turning to God, taking the next step in discipleship, or sharing the hope of Christ with others. Our lives are to be lived as ambassadors, bearing witness to the hope that outlasts hardship and the love that overcomes the world. [33:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:32] - Princesses, Peasants, and the Desire for Honor
[05:06] - Why Did the King Embrace Humiliation?
[08:25] - The Crowd Chooses Crucifixion
[10:43] - The Mockery and the Crown of Thorns
[12:14] - God’s Providence in Human Evil
[14:26] - Where Is God in Suffering?
[16:12] - The Origin and Meaning of the Curse
[18:00] - Thorns as a Symbol of Sin
[20:32] - Jesus Bears the Curse for Us
[21:40] - The Great Exchange: Cursed for Our Redemption
[23:42] - Receiving the Crown of Life
[25:24] - Simon of Cyrene: A Life Changed
[29:46] - The Irony of the Cross: Saving Others by Not Saving Himself
[32:00] - Crowns Promised After Hardship
[33:35] - Living with Urgency and Hope
[36:14] - The Great Exchange: Which Crown Will You Pursue?
[37:08] - Ambassadors for Christ
[38:09] - Prayer and Communion

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Crowned with Thorns
(Based on Matthew 27 and the sermon summary above)

Bible Reading

Matthew 27:27-44 (ESV)
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him...
(Read through verse 44 for the full context.)

Observation Questions

What actions did the Roman soldiers take to mock Jesus as “King of the Jews”? What physical items did they use, and what did they symbolize? ([10:43])
According to the passage, what was the crowd’s response when Pilate offered to release Jesus? What does this reveal about the situation? ([08:25])
What detail is given about Simon of Cyrene, and why is it significant that his sons are named in the Gospel of Mark? ([25:24])
What insults were hurled at Jesus while he was on the cross, and what was the irony in those insults? ([29:46])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that Jesus’ kingship is shown in a way that is the opposite of what people expect from a king. How does Jesus redefine what it means to be a king in this passage? ([05:06])
The crown of thorns is described as more than just a tool for mockery. What deeper meaning does the sermon give to the crown of thorns, especially in light of Genesis and the curse? ([20:32])
The story of Simon of Cyrene is highlighted as an example of a life changed by encountering Jesus’ suffering. What does Simon’s story suggest about the impact of witnessing Jesus’ sacrifice? ([26:13])
The sermon talks about the “great exchange”—Jesus taking our curse and offering us his blessing. How does this exchange challenge the way we think about suffering, blessing, and what it means to “win” in life? ([36:14])

Application Questions

The sermon asks, “Which crown are you living for—the fleeting crowns of this world, or the eternal crown that Jesus offers?” What are some “crowns” (achievements, honors, comforts) you find yourself chasing? How do these compare to the crown of life Jesus promises? ([36:14])
Jesus willingly embraced humiliation, suffering, and the curse of sin for our sake. Is there an area in your life where you are being called to embrace humility or sacrifice for the sake of others? What would it look like to follow Jesus’ example this week? ([05:06])
The sermon points out that God’s purposes are not stopped by human evil or suffering. Can you think of a time when something painful or confusing in your life later turned out to be part of God’s bigger plan? How did that experience shape your trust in God? ([12:14])
Simon of Cyrene’s life was changed by carrying Jesus’ cross. Have you ever had an unexpected encounter or responsibility that ended up changing your faith or direction in life? What happened? ([26:13])
The ongoing presence of evil and suffering is described as a sign of God’s patience and mercy, not his failure. How does this perspective affect the way you view the world’s problems and your role as a Christian? ([33:35])
The sermon calls us to live with urgency, knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Is there a step of faith, obedience, or sharing your faith that you have been putting off? What would it take to act on it this week? ([33:35])
As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to share hope and love with others. Who is one person in your life who needs to hear about the hope Jesus offers? What is one practical way you can reach out to them in the coming days? ([37:08])

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank Jesus for taking the curse upon himself and offering us the crown of life. Ask for courage to live as his ambassadors, to embrace humility, and to share his hope with urgency and love.

Sermon Clips

“But you know what's not common? it's not common for little girls to want to dress up like peasants or serfs like none of my kids ever came to me and said dad do you have any filthy rags laying around that I could robe myself in so I can look like a medieval peasant and nothing wrong with being a peasant right I mean it's not like people like there's something bad about that I mean peasants also they lived at the same time as princes and princesses so why is it that lots of little girls want to dress up like princesses but nobody wants to dress up like a peasant well the reason is probably because princesses possess the kinds of qualities that most people desire for their own lives right like princesses have privileges princesses are pampered princesses have the resources to buy beautiful clothing they live in luxury and they have authority when they speak people listen to them and most of all princesses are treasured they're they're treated with dignity and respect and honor and it's no wonder when you consider these things no wonder little girls want to dress up like princesses everyone in their right mind wants those things that come with being royalty but see even though everybody wants those things not everybody has those privileges again think about peasants and serfs right they lived their lives really the opposite of royalty rather than wealth they had poverty they didn't have nice clothes they were disempowered they were not treated with dignity or honor they were looked down on and despised and throughout history it was often the peasants who were sent off to fight in wars to risk and sacrifice their lives while the king stayed home and enjoyed the benefits which came from the sufferings of his people those people went and fought and died sent by the king to expand his kingdom and the king was the one who benefited the most from the sacrifices and the sufferings of those people”

“But see, even though everybody wants those things, not everybody has those privileges. Again, think about peasants and serfs, right? They lived their lives really the opposite of royalty. Rather than wealth, they had poverty. They didn't have nice clothes, they were disempowered, they were not treated with dignity or honor, they were looked down on and despised. And throughout history, it was often the peasants who were sent off to fight in wars, to risk and sacrifice their lives while the king stayed home and enjoyed the benefits which came from the sufferings of his people. Those people went and fought and died, sent by the king to expand his kingdom, and the king was the one who benefited the most from the sacrifices and the sufferings of those people.”

“Here in the Gospel of Matthew, we have seen that Jesus is a king. He is the descendant of King David, the greatest king in Israel's history, and that makes him the rightful heir to the throne of Israel. But also, Jesus isn't just a king. He is the king of kings. He's the long -awaited Messiah, the savior of the world who was promised by the prophets, and he has come to establish God's eternal kingdom. And in the passage we're looking at today, we're going to see Jesus's kingship on display, but not in the way that you might expect. You see, instead of privilege, Jesus is going to be mocked. Instead of honor, Jesus is going to be humiliated. Instead of glory, he's going to get disgrace.”

“Throughout his entire life, Jesus chose to live not as a pampered monarch, but he chose to live as a humble servant. And he willingly took upon himself all of those things that people in this world strive to avoid. Poverty, rejection, disgrace, mistreatment. And the question is, why? Why did he do that? Why would anyone do that? Why would the king of kings embrace the life of a peasant? Why would he choose humiliation and suffer disgrace?”

“And here's the answer. It's because unlike the kings of this world who send their people off to fight for them, Jesus is a different kind of king. Jesus, the king of kings, he came to fight for his people and to sacrifice himself so that we who were poor and powerless might be lifted up, so that we might become sons and daughters, princes and princesses in his kingdom.”

“On the cross, Jesus bore the curse of sin so that we might receive the crown of life. Let me repeat that summary statement for you one more time, and then we'll use it as our outline for studying through the verses in this section. On the cross, Jesus bore the curse of sin so that we might receive the crown of life.”

“It's interesting because what is happening to Jesus in this moment, on the one hand, it's a terrible display of human violence and cruelty. And yet at the same time, as these people are making these choices to hurt and humiliate Jesus, God's perfect plan is also coming to fruition. And the fact that both of these things are true at the same time, I think that's something that's often difficult for us to wrap our heads around. How it's possible that people make decisions and do sometimes terrible things, and yet those decisions that people make don't derail God's good and perfect plan.”

“In fact, all of the evil and suffering in this world, it highlights the reason why Jesus came and why Jesus did what he did on the cross. You see, when we ask that question, if God really loves us, then why doesn't he do something to put an end to all the evil and suffering in the world? Friends, the answer to that question is that God does love us and he has done something. He has acted in history to put an end to all the suffering and evil in the world and what he did is exactly what we see right here in this passage.”

“I believe that one of the most overlooked aspects of Jesus' crucifixion is a small detail that's found right here in verse 29. It says that twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head. Now, that might seem like an incidental detail, kind of like the robe or the reed, but this crown of thorns is incredibly significant and here's why. Because all the way back in the book of Genesis, the very first book of the Bible, we're told that thorns are a symbol of the curse which came upon the world because of sin.”

“You see, when sin entered the world, it affected everything. From us as human beings to even nature and creation itself. Whereas before, thorns and thistles apparently had not existed. Now they began to grow. In other words, thorns are a symbol of the curse of sin which results in death. And this curse of sin, it affects all of us. It affects everything. It doesn't just affect the world out there, but it affects every single one of us in here.”

“And in the very next chapter of the book of Genesis, after we see that terrible fall into sin, Then we see the effects of sin. We see some of the things that sin does. The very first two children born into this broken world, one of them murders the other out of jealousy. And from there, other atrocities begin to take place. And there's this increasing tension between people and people, and there's distance between people and God.”

“In other words, all of us have been affected in the very core of our being by the curse of sin. It has tainted every one of us, and this curse ultimately leads to death. So what is it that drives people to do terrible things like what we witnessed this past week here in our country? Well, it's the effects of our fallen nature and our sinful desires. And since these things are bound up within our very hearts, friends, what we need most of all is new hearts. We need to be transformed and redeemed from the inside out. And that's exactly what Jesus came to do for us by suffering and dying on the cross.”

“If thorns are a symbol of the curse of sin, then think about the picture of this crown of thorns being placed on Jesus' head. You see, unwittingly, these Roman soldiers, not even realizing what they were doing, when they put that crown of thorns on Jesus' head, they were giving a perfect visual description of what Jesus was accomplishing in that moment as he was taking the curse of sin and death upon himself on our behalf.”

“The mission for which Jesus came to the world ultimately was to become a cursed on our behalf so that we who were accursed because of sin might be set free and redeemed. So that spring could finally come to a land that was under the spell of perpetual winter. So that the burden which has held us down might be lifted. So that the clouds might break and light can shine in. By taking the curse of sin upon himself, Jesus was dealing not just with the symptoms of the problem, he was dealing with the root cause of all the suffering and evil in this world in order to put it to an end forever.”

“And the answer to that question is that on the cross, Jesus was doing something for us. He who never sinned, he took the curse of sin upon himself in order to break break that curse's power over us. And that's pictured for us vividly in this crown of thorns that's placed on Jesus' head.”

“But on the cross, it wasn't only that Jesus took something from us, right? It isn't just that he took the curse from us. But also, on the cross, Jesus provided something for us. That's the next thing that we see here in this passage. You see, on the cross, Jesus bore the curse of sin. Why? So that we might receive the crown of life.”

“And what we learned from Simon is that when you really stop to consider who Jesus is and see what he's done, it's actually hard not to believe.”

“He doesn't want painkillers while he's hanging on the cross he wants to feel the full force of the suffering which he has come to endure on our behalf.”

“This insult that the people brought against Jesus, the insult was, if he really is a savior, then why is he dying? And here's the irony of that question. It was actually by not saving himself that Jesus was saving others. Jesus did have the power to come down from the cross and put an end to his suffering right then and there, but he chose not to because it was through his suffering that he was saving us.”

“As Jesus suffered and died, he was doing it for us. But notice also the result of Jesus' suffering. He, the one who is crowned with the crown of thorns in disgrace, he is now crowned with glory and honor because of what he accomplished through his suffering. And here's the really incredible part. The Bible tells us that for those who put their trust, their faith in Jesus, we also will receive a crown of glory. Just as Jesus receives a crown of glory, we too will partake in that same crown of glory.”

“Now isn't it striking that with each of those crowns that's promised in the Bible, they all come after hardship. Did you notice that? Now the reason why Jesus suffered and died on the cross was to put an end to evil and suffering forever. And yet, we do still live in a world marked by evil, pain, and loss. We saw that again this week, clearly. So why is that? If Jesus came to end evil and suffering, then why does it still exist? Does that mean that Jesus failed in his mission? No. No. The Bible tells us that a new world is coming in which every tear will be wiped away and death will be no more. And yet, just as Jesus, the perfect son of God, suffered, Jesus also promised that in this world, you and I will have tribulation.”

“But what God has provided for us is hope through Jesus that outlasts hardship, that's victorious over death itself. Now you might wonder, if that's true, then why does God wait? Why not just give us that new...world now why not just end sin and death and evil now since he's already done all the work why not just do it what is he waiting for and answers this he's waiting for those people whom he still wants to save those people who he's bringing into his kingdom drawing to his himself who are not here yet he isn't finished yet calling people to himself and i'll tell you this on a personal note i sure am glad he waited for me maybe you are too but you know there are other people too there are other people who will be eternally grateful to receive god's grace and you know what god wants to use you to reach those people he wants you to be an ambassador for him to spread his love and truth to those who don't yet have the joy of knowing him or the hope of eternal life”

“So these terrible events like what we saw this past week you know what they should do they should fill us with a sense of urgency because none of us knows how much longer we've got and tomorrow isn't guaranteed for anybody so whatever it is that god is calling you to do let me encourage you today don't put it off for some of you today is the day when you need to get right with god for others of you god is calling you to take the next step in following him and growing as a disciple and a witness of jesus christ whatever it is that god is calling you to do today don't delay because jesus not only said in this world you will have tribulation but he actually finished that sentence and he said this but take heart i have overcome the world this is the hope that we have in jesus that because he who wore the crown of thorns has overcome we can now receive the crown of life that only he can give”

“And Jesus, even though he was a king, he willingly chose humiliation and disgrace, suffering and death. Rather than a crown of gold, he wore a crown of thorns. Because unlike the kings of this world who make their people sacrifice for them, Jesus came to fight and give his life for us so that we could be lifted up and crowned with life. This is the great exchange of the gospel. He took our curse so we could receive his blessing. He wore our thorns so that we could wear his crown.”

“So here's the question for you today. Which crown are you living for? Are you chasing after the crowns of this world? Or are you pursuing the crown that Jesus gives? The crown of glory, the crown of righteousness, the crown of life that comes from faith and following him? Let me encourage you today to respond to what Jesus has done for you by believing in him and by bowing your heart in surrender to him. And as you go from here today, I want to challenge you to go out into this community as ambassadors for Christ. To share his love and truth with the world that desperately needs it. Because on the cross, Jesus bore the curse of sin so that we might receive the crown of life.”

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