Thorns

Last year we planted carpet roses by our mailbox. Their first blooms were beautiful, but as they began to fade I decided to deadhead them. I had my scissors ready, and put my hands down into the bushes to begin. Within a minute or two I had several scratches which started to bleed. I believe this is the first time I ever have bled from thorn scratches, and they hurt.
I immediately thought of Jesus, and how the Roman soldiers wove a crown of thorns which they placed- not too gently, I am sure- upon His head.
Crowns were common in Greek and Roman times, worn for a variety of reasons. A decorative garland was placed upon the victors' head, showing honor and distinction. A head covering made with precious metal, possibly set with jewels, was worn as a symbol of sovereignty. A crown of thorns was a mockery, however, used as a means of ridicule and humiliation.
I wonder where the soldiers got the thorny branches to make this crown. And was it a circlet, as we see depicted in pictures, or a full cap upon His head? Did the Roman soldiers' hands bleed, as they plaited and placed it upon Jesus' head, pushing it hard enough to make Him bleed? Did a single one feel any remorse at that time? Jesus endured this pain, which was minor compared to the flogging, the agony of the crucifixion, and the excruciating suffering He had to endure as He bore our sins that day.
Those thorny scratches hurt my hands, but I am thankful I received them. They brought to my mind Jesus, and the suffering He chose to endure for my sake, and the salvation of all believers.

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Contributed by Marion Smith: noles65@aol.com Comments/Feedback are welcome.