The Mocked King
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | March 6 2026 | Mark 15:1-20
KEY VERSE: “And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.” (Mark 15:20, ESV)
MESSAGE:
In Mark 15:1–15, the mockery of justice continues. Before Pilate, Jesus is accused of being a self-proclaimed king rather than a blasphemer. The charge is framed as a political threat to Caesar to secure the death penalty. Pilate recognises that Jesus has committed no crime, yet he hands Him over to be crucified because he wants to satisfy the crowd (verse 15). Public pressure silences justice.
Verses 16–20 reveal another layer of humiliation. Inside the palace, a battalion of soldiers gathers around Jesus. At the centre of Roman authority, an innocent man becomes the object of ridicule. The soldiers place a purple cloak on Him and press a crown of thorns on His head (verse 17). Purple symbolised royalty, yet here it is used to mock the One who truly is King. The crown is not a sign of honour but an instrument of pain. They kneel before Him in false homage, greet Him in mock salute, spit on Him, and strike His head (verses 18–19). Human cruelty is fully displayed. Then verse 20 brings the moment to its turning point. After the mockery, they remove the purple cloak, dress Him in His own clothes, and lead Him out to be crucified.
During this Lenten season, we remember that the path to the cross passed through ridicule, rejection, and suffering. Yet through that suffering, God was accomplishing His redeeming purpose for the world. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Joseph’s brothers mocked him as a dreamer (Genesis 37:18–20), yet years later they bowed before him. Goliath despised David, yet David prevailed. Followers of Christ may also face ridicule for their faith. During this Lenten season, remain steadfast. Do not abandon your devotion to Christ because of mockery. The One who was mocked on the way to the cross now reigns as King, and those who remain faithful to Him will not be put to shame.
PRAYER:
Lord, strengthen Your people who face ridicule for their faith. Help them remain steadfast, knowing that Your purposes will stand and Your vindication will come. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: MOCKED
The English word “mocked” comes from the Greek word ἐμπαίζω (empaizō), which means to ridicule, to treat with scorn, or to make someone an object of humiliation.
The soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple cloak, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and pretended to honor Him as king. Their actions were meant to shame Him. Yet the One they mocked truly is the King who came to give His life for the salvation of the world.
Reflect on this
During this Lenten season, we remember that Jesus endured mockery and suffering on the way to the cross. His sacrifice calls us to respond with gratitude and steadfast devotion to Him.
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