out of the ordinary | the head

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, we're thinking about Jesus' head. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through today's devotion. Amen.

You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.” Psalm 8:5–8, NIV

Just days before his crucifixion, Jesus entered Jerusalem to the excited crowd spreading coats and palm branches on the road ahead of him, and shouting, “Hosanna.” This was an appropriate welcome for a king.

But, in stark contrast, on the morning of his crucifixion the Roman soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head, openly mocking and ridiculing him. Not only did he endure the abuse of the soldiers but also the heart-breaking realisation that some of those who welcomed him with shouts of “Hosanna” were also in the crowd screaming “Crucify!”

Beyond the immense agony caused by thorns being pressed into the skull of an already broken and bloodied Jesus, the cruel crown he bore reminds us of the scorn and humiliation Jesus endured for all of us. He gave up everything to wear a crown of suffering and shame, tasting death for everyone.

Of course now he is crowned with glory and honour, and is established as the King of Kings for all time. But we shouldn’t forget what it cost him to be given the name that is above all names. All hail, King Jesus.

Let's pray
There is none like you, God. No-one who cares more, or loves harder. No-one prepared to go to such extraordinary lengths to save me. Fix that in my thoughts today, Holy Spririt. Remind me, every time I look at a face, at a head, that it cost you everything to rescue me. I worship you today and every day, lord. Amen.