Marie’s daily verse: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” PSALM 55:22

DAILY DEVOTION, September 5, 2023

When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” (John 19:5).

As you read the 19^th chapter of John, Pilate is trying hard to set Jesus free. He finds no fault in Him. The enemies of Jesus continue to pressure Pilate, and he finally gives in to the pressure. He hands Jesus over to be crucified. In the above text, Jesus is wearing the crown of thorns and a purple robe. He is indeed the king of the Jews, but the Jewish leadership has rejected Him. They cry out, “We have no king but Caesar.”

The crown and robe of kingship are intended to mock Him.  Satan believes he has defeated Jesus. But in the greatest turn of events in history, the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus is used by God to bring salvation to us. Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. All who believe He is the King above all kings receive forgiveness for all their sins.

Lord Jesus, how awful it was the way You were treated. The suffering You experienced as the innocent Son of God is hard for me to imagine. Yet that very suffering is the means used by the Father to secure our pardon. I believe in You as the King of Kings and as my King. May Your name be honored and glorified. Amen.