Book of Mark - Chapter 15 - Verse 17

When Jesus was handed over to the soldiers to be crucified, they dressed him in a purple robe and placed a crown of thorns on his head. This act was not simply done to mock Jesus, but to symbolize the mockery and rejection he faced as the King of the Jews. Purple was a color associated with royalty, and by clothing Jesus in purple, they were sarcastically acknowledging his claim to be a king. The crown of thorns was a cruel and painful reminder of the mockery and suffering Jesus endured before his crucifixion. The soldiers' actions were a cruel display of power and humiliation, but little did they know that by placing the crown of thorns on Jesus' head, they unwittingly fulfilled the prophecy of Jesus as the suffering servant who would bear the sins of the world.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, "And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head," we see a profound symbolism that reflects the suffering and mockery Jesus endured before his crucifixion. The act of clothing him with purple is symbolic of kingship, as purple was a color associated with royalty in ancient times. However, instead of a regal robe, Jesus is dressed in mockery, emphasizing the irony of his true identity as the King of Kings. The crown of thorns, on the other hand, symbolizes the pain and suffering that Jesus willingly endured for the redemption of humanity. By placing this crown on his head, the soldiers not only mocked his claim to kingship but also highlighted the sacrificial nature of his mission. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the humility and selflessness of Jesus, who bore the weight of humanity's sins with grace and love.