Adrian Rogers: The Easter Story Timeline of Events that Led to the Resurrection of Jesus

Jesus being crowned with thorns was part of a divine plan set before the creation of the world. This act carries an indescribably glorious and profound message. The crown of thorns represented the wickedness, impurity, and corruption of our sin—the same sin symbolized by the cup Jesus willingly drank and now wore upon His head. By contrast, it foretells the majestic crown He would ultimately wear.

Understanding this crown involves grasping five key aspects: its mystery, its misery, its mockery, its ministry, and its majesty. Today, we face a crucial question: What will we do with Jesus, and what will He do with us? This profound question deeply stirs hearts, and it should stir yours as well.

The crowning of Jesus with thorns was neither accidental nor incidental. Although born from human cruelty and mockery, this event was part of God’s grand, predestined drama. Jesus’ crowning with thorns was intended to convey a powerful and glorious message.

In Pilate’s judgment hall, Pilate attempted to evade responsibility, allowing Jesus to be scourged brutally. Soldiers used a vicious whip that tore Jesus’ back severely, a punishment severe enough to kill weaker individuals. Following this torture, soldiers placed a scarlet robe on Jesus, put a bamboo reed in His hand as a mock scepter, forced a crown of thorns onto His head, and struck Him repeatedly. Unlike royal crowns adorned with precious stones, this crown’s only adornment was the ruby-red blood of Jesus, the Son of God.

Matthew 27 vividly captures these events. Verses 26-31 describe how Pilate released Barabbas instead of Jesus, how soldiers brutally mocked Jesus by dressing Him in a scarlet robe, placing a crown of thorns on His head, and mocking Him as “King of the Jews.” They spat upon Him, struck Him repeatedly, stripped the robe away, returned His own clothes, and led Him away for crucifixion.

This event is rich with meaning and intentional divine purpose, despite being executed by sinful human hands. Consider first the sacred mystery of the crown of thorns. Initially appearing as random cruelty and mockery from psychopathic Roman soldiers, deeper inspection reveals a profound symbolism understood fully by God.

The crown of thorns symbolizes the curse placed upon humanity due to sin. Originally, in Eden’s garden, there were no thorns, thistles, or painful obstacles. Roses bloomed without thorns, and berries were easily accessible. However, after Adam and Eve’s disobedience, Genesis 3:17-18 describes the earth’s curse—bringing forth thorns and thistles, signifying pain and toil humanity would endure. Thorns represent this fallen condition, the direct consequence of human sin.

Therefore, the crown of thorns placed upon Jesus’ head powerfully symbolizes Jesus taking upon Himself humanity’s curse, becoming the ultimate sacrifice to redeem humankind from sin’s consequences. His suffering underlines His love, grace, and redemptive mission—transforming a symbol of humiliation and pain into one of eternal salvation and majestic glory.