Once Pilate has finished with Jesus, the soldiers have their turn. What is the big deal here for the soldiers? Crucifixions were common enough. Did they treat every criminal this way? Why are they so anti-Jesus, going to the trouble of decking him out with the robe and the crown of thorns (vs 17,18)?

Did the soldiers represent a world like ours, where people often follow their leaders like sheep? Fake news enters our sphere on TV, the internet and smartphones. The truth is often difficult to distinguish amongst the voices – and how we like to point fingers! How we love the anonymous security of being a sheep! But Jesus has sheep of a different kind, sheep who seek the truth while respecting the dignity of others. Jesus was a king, yes, but he was also a shepherd, and one prepared to lay down his life for his sheep (John 10:14–18).

To the soldiers, Jesus was yet one more criminal on a trumped-up charge. They didn’t care – to them it was just a bit of fun (v 19). 

Thank God for all believers who have endured suffering like Jesus.

We can never underestimate the ability of human beings to inflict suffering on others. Those in a position of power like to oppress the weak. As if the suffering of scourging and crucifixion were not enough, Jesus is made the soldiers’ plaything. How proud they must have felt of their creativity with the purple robe and crown of thorns. We think again of the text of Isaiah 53:3 as he was despised and rejected – and yet the very mockery focuses attention again on the kingship of Jesus. He is arrayed in a purple robe and given homage. His words of Mark 10:34 are fulfilled.

In the mockery by the non-Jewish soldiers we may see their contempt for the whole Jewish people. This bruised and afflicted figure they see as an appropriate king of the Jews. This is the second time that Jesus has been spat upon. Previously it was the Jewish leaders and guards who attacked him¹ and mocked him as a prophet. Isaiah 50:6 is twice fulfilled. In all this we see the combined rejection by Jewish and Gentile military, priestly and political leaders: all reject him.

However, we know how different appearances are to the reality. This is the King of glory. One day every knee will bow to him. He has received a kingdom from the Ancient of Days. His victory is assured and so is that of his followers. Many Christians see their own sufferings as a reflection of his. They are despised by all around them. They may also be brought to death on account of him, but we know the end of the story: we know that we will be vindicated at the last day and revealed as the children of God,² of whom the world is not worthy.³ We have overcome the world.

Pray that all those who suffer for Christ may know the joy stored up for them.

¹ Mark 14:65  ² 1 John 3:1,2  ³ Heb 11:38