The Ten Stages of Christ’s Suffering:  Stage 5

Stage 5: A scarlet robe and a crown of thorns

After the horrific beating that Jesus endured, He was placed in the middle of a group of Roman soldiers who took Him into the Praetorium, the open courtyard or judgment hall.  Then, as in ridicule and scorn, they placed a scarlet robe on his shoulders.  Similar scarlet robes were worn by kings and emperors but of more refined quality and texture.  The reason the soldiers put this cloak upon his shoulders was to mock Him for His claim to royalty.  

The Roman soldiers put a stick in His hand and placed a circle of branches filled with sharp thorns upon His head.  They slapped Him, spit upon Him, knelt before Him, and taunted Him mockingly, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.”  

Matt. 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Little did the cruel soldiers know that they were acting out a role that every man and every woman would demonstrate one day.  Why?  Because according to Philippians 2:10,

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

(I praise God that I too will be a part of those who will crown Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords.)

Evil men taunted You, my King

With a robe and a thorny crown.

But you never looked harshly upon them,

You never gave them a frown.

But one glorious morning, you will rise 

In power and majesty.

You will show yourself for who You are

As we all bow on bended knee.