1: Jesus is condemned to death
Matthew 27:29

"...and then they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said."
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O sacred head now wounded
With grief and shame waighed down
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns thine only crown
How pale Thou art with anguish
With sore abuse and scorn
How does that visage languish
Which once was bright as morn
What thou, my Lord, hast suffered
Was all for sinners' gain
Oh mine was the transgression
But thine the deadly pain
Lo, here I fall, my Savior
'Tis I deserve thy place
Look on me with thy favor
Vouchsafe to me thy grace
What language shall I borrow
To thank thee, dearest Friend
For this, thy dying sorrow
Thy pity without end?
Oh, make me thine forever
And should I fainting be
Lord, let me never, never
Outlive my love to thee
In this poignant moment during the trial and impending crucifixion of Jesus, the soldiers mockingly crown Him with thorns. This act symbolizes a deep irony: while the soldiers aim to belittle Him and strip away any dignity, they unwittingly highlight His true identity as the King. The imagery of thorns also speaks to the curse introduced into the world through sin, reflecting Christ's role in bearing that curse for humanity’s salvation. Through their ridicule, they fulfill prophecy and reveal the depth of human depravity while, paradoxically, fulfilling the divine purpose.
As the soldiers bow before Him, chanting "Hail, King of the Jews," they embody a twisted homage that brings into stark relief the concept of true kingship. This moment illustrates not just the physical suffering Christ underwent, but also the spiritual mocking of His rightful authority. The actions of the Roman guards encapsulate a broader narrative of redemption – through humiliation and mockery, Jesus embodies the suffering servant foretold in Scripture, paving the way for ultimate victory over sin and death. This is captured effectively in Matthew 27:29, where the scene demonstrates how even in derision, God’s plan is being realized.