The only crown Jesus ever wore was given given to him in mockery. A sham king. A silly excuse for a ruler when compared to the iron strength of Caesar.
Yet they were more right than they knew.
As more than “king of the Jews”— king of the whole world!—Jesus patiently sat through the unjust trial. Endured the undeserved beating. Allowed his enemies to make him into a caricature of his true self. Wore the sarcastic robe across his shoulders. Accepted hands that struck his face rather than be raised in honor.
He endured looking like the ultimate loser, trusting in his Father for vindication.
If you feel like the only crown you are ever given to wear is a parody, wear it willingly. If you ever feel like your life in service of Jesus is nothing but a joke, laugh along with scoffers. If you ever feel like you’re being used as a loser punching bag, just take your lumps.
Let them come with their crowns of thorns. Your Father also comes with his own eternal symbols of victory.
