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Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged Him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head and arrayed Him in a purple robe. They came up to Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck Him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing Him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” (John 19:1-5)
Pilate says to the crowd and Jesus’ enemies, “Behold the Man.” Look at Him—this Jesus, scourged and bleeding, barely able to stand up. Look at Him—wearing a robe the same color as His bruises, crowned with thorns. Who is He to you?
Is He your King? Will you have Him, bruised and bloody? Will you acknowledge Him as your own? Will you follow Him, even to the cross? Will you accept the gifts He gives you there—forgiveness for your sin, covering for your shame, love for you, you personally—forever?
If you want Him, you can have Him—for He has promised that. He never lies. He said, “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out” (John 6:37b). He wants you—He has made that very clear. He said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” and “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (John 7:37b, Matthew 11:28). Now that He has died for you and risen from the dead, He will keep you at His side forever—sharing His life and joy with all His people (see John 17:24).
WE PRAY: Lord, I do want You. Keep me as Your own. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What does it mean, to be Jesus’ own?
- How does He give Himself to you?
- If you have belonged to Him for some time—are you glad of it?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
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