The King

What do you look for in a leader? Strength? Confidence? Charisma? We admire those who command authority, demonstrate power, and inspire through their presence. From history to modern culture, we expect kings and rulers to be bold, victorious, and unchallenged.

But when we look at Jesus in Mark 15:16–32, we see a King who appears utterly weak. Instead of wielding power, He is crowned with thorns. Instead of being praised, He is mocked and scorned. Instead of sitting on a throne, He is crucified in shame. 

"And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'" (Mark 15:17–18)

Yet, in this very moment of apparent defeat, God is displaying His greatest power—the power to save sinners through the suffering of His Son.