Dear Family,
Today is Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Today is Day 45 and Day 3 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.
When Jesus was on trial for His life, the soldiers twisted thorns into a makeshift crown and jammed it on His head (John 19:2). They hung a purple robe on Him and ridiculed Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews,” while they punched and kicked Him.
Jesus was the king; yet, His rule was preceded by rejection and ridicule and suffering. His painful crown of thorns was one more demonstration of His right to rule a world filled with pain and suffering.
However, at the same time, it was a symbol of hope for us; reminding us that we are joined to Jesus in this severe trial of intense adversity; that is, His sufferings! This crown of thorns is not just a movie scene where we are overwhelmed with the suffering that Jesus went through to be our Savior. In fact, Jesus said that if we want to follow Him, we must take up our cross each day (Luke 9:23). He could just as easily have said that we must put on our crown of thorns. We are joined symbolically to Jesus in His suffering!
Notice what Paul states over in . . .
Romans 8:17-18 (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together (share in His glory). (18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Jesus accepted the crown of thorns as part of what He was to endure what all humans endure, as part of opening the door for us to escape with Him from this world filled with grief and loss and cruelty and tears.
In this world, oppressors jam thorns on their victims! And, in this world, Jesus suffered whatever they wanted to do with Him to redeem us (all) from this world of ungodliness and thorns. As a result, we need to notice what He says to every man, woman and child over in Matthew 11:28-30 (28) Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden {weary and burdened}, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and low in heart {gentle and humbled in heart}; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
We all experience our crowns of thorns. We all have our crosses to bear. We all live in a fallen world and take part in its pain and sorrow. However, the crown of thorns and the cross of death have met their match in Jesus (John 16:33)!
In Him we have life; and, in-that-life that cannot be seen at this present time; nevertheless, it is real! Praise God!
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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