Woven: The Crown of Thorns

Sermon Notes: Thursday, April 10, and Sunday, April 13

    This Sunday can have two focuses. The sixth Sunday in Lent can be known as Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday. Palm Sunday focuses upon Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem when people waved Palms. Passion Sunday focuses on the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. With the symbol from the Woven series being the crown of thorns with three nails, we focus upon Jesus’ death. This symbol is a mix of both, the kingship of Jesus in the crown (remembering that the people shouted, “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”) and the thorns which pierced Jesus’ head at the crucifixion. (Matthew 27:27-31)

    A crown of thorns may seem like an oxymoron. After all, the crown is the symbol of a king, and thorns and nails are a symbol of suffering. In Jesus, we find both. He is king. He suffered and died for our sins. Jesus’ rule is not in the way that the world expects, but in a way that demonstrates humble love and in turn, changes lives. He left his heavenly throne to empty himself to suffer and save us from our sin. Thanks be to God!

    Journeying through Lent with you.      Rev. Sherri