And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and placed it on His head, and put a purple cloak on Him; and they repeatedly came up to Him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapped Him in the face again and again.

Read more: Merciful Jesus

The recent coronation of King Charles III was predictably a lavish event with elaborate pomp and showcasing great wealth. The St Edward’s Crown placed on the new monarch’s head was adorned with 444 precious and semi-precious stones, including rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines, and all set on a solid gold frame. The historic crown is a symbol of plenitude, which exemplifies the comfort and wealth of the new head of state. 

How different was the crown placed on the creator of the Universe! A band of sharp spikes rammed into his head by corrupt soldiers – the contrast could not be greater. Crowds cheered King Charles but a different crowd held onto King Jesus and forced him to bleed. Charles was lauded but the Messiah was spat on, punched, kicked, abused and hung to die.

The mantra often heard during the coronation event of Charles was summarised in this phrase: ‘service’. That the monarch was publicly signifying his intention to serve the nation in his new role. It sounded laudable and good intentioned but how much more gratifying for us personally is the love of Jesus Christ! He chose the path of debasement and death to offer abiding hope for anyone with a heart open to him. The creator showed ‘service’ by giving up his life in the GodMan: Jesus himself. As he once told his friends: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Whatever situation we find ourselves in today: Feeling blessed or living under a curse. Deluged in darkness or smiling at the sunlight. The love beneath Jesus Christ’s crown of thorns freely gives us a justification we really don’t deserve. But his love is there for both the taking and keeping. It is literally the gift of life! As it says in Isaiah: ‘Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.’ 

“Ho! Every one who thirsts come to

the waters;

And you who have no money come, buy

and eat.

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without cost.’