“A Crown of Compassion”

John 19:1-5

Last week Pastor Lehmann spoke of how the Romans viewed—and

treated—kings. Not very favorably. But consider for a moment how
kings treated their subjects. Many of the kings that we are familiar with
ruled in Europe. Of the names that come to mind, none create a very
favorable impression—
For example, King George of England. The one responsible for
the American Revolution.
Or King Louis XVI of France—responsible for the French
Revolution.
How about Henry VIII—How would you have liked to have been
one of his wives?
Or what about King Henry I? He was known for some very
brutal acts. He once threw a traitor named Conan Pilatus from the
tower of Rouen; the tower was known from then on as "Conan's Leap".
Can you think of any king that was known for their kindness or
compassion? I can only think of one—and you know who that is. Jesus.
Scripture speaks of Jesus as a king: Remember the Christmas
story of the visit of the Wise men? What did they ask Herod—another
example of an evil king? “Where is he that has been born king of the
Jews?” Or Nathaniel, when called by Jesus, said this: “Rabbi, you are
the Son of God! You are the King of Israel.” Scripture concludes with
this acknowledgement, Revelation 19 calling Jesus King of Kings and
Lord of Lords—a phrase we are perhaps most familiar with as a result
of “The Messiah”.

1
And of course, we can’t forget the fact that even Pilate recognized Jesus,
at least in some form, as a king, having that very inscription placed over
his head.
In confirmation we learn from the catechism that it was part of
Jesus’ three-fold office to be king of all creation—that all authority and
power in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. And that this
authority will be recognized, as we were reminded of in our reading
from Philippians, on the last day when every knee shall bow in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord.
But the crown that Jesus wears is unique from every other king—
in many ways—one of the most significant being that it is a crown of
compassion: “Behold, your king comes to you, righteous and having
salvation, humble and mounted on a donkey.”
Though we see the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head during
his crucifixion, He is wearing the crown of compassion throughout His
life. We saw it this past Sunday as He spoke with the woman at the well.
We will see it this coming Sunday as He heals the blind man. We see
that crown of compassion whenever we look at Him—we are reminded
of it when we sing hymns. For example, “The King of Love My
Shepherd Is”, where we are reminded that His goodness faileth never. I
especially like verse 3—“Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in
love He sought me. And on His shoulder gently laid and home rejoicing
brought me.”
That’s very similar to “Crown Him with Many Crowns”—which
pictures Jesus as a lamb, and calls Him the Lord of Love.

2
 And that is why this scene here in John is so shocking—because
Jesus the compassionate king is treated with anything but. The crown
of thorns is a symbol of sin, yes—but more specifically it is a reminder
of the lack of compassion and kindness that man employs against one
another.
We look at the soldiers as they mistreat Jesus, we listen to them as
they mock Jesus, and we think to ourselves, “How could anyone do that
to Jesus?” The answer is found in the mirror. Isn’t that how we have
spoken to others? Can we even begin to count the times when we have
lashed others—be it family, friends, or strangers—with our tongues?
And because we have done it to others, we have done it to Jesus. As
much as we have done it unto the least of these my brothers, you have
done it unto Me.
But, this, dear friends, is why Jesus is wearing this crown of
thorns—which symbolizes not only the barbs of our sin, but even more
importantly the depth of His love and compassion. He is wearing it in
order to forgive us for our lack of compassion and kindness and love.
Jesus does not curse, revile or rebuke. He only loves. And in so doing
He wears the crown of compassion, and makes up for the countless
times in our lives when we wear the crown of contempt, the crown of
criticism, the crown of conflict.
But not only does Jesus wear the crown of compassion, He wears
the crown of death. And because of that, He now wears the crown of
life. And do you know what makes this even more magnificent? In His
grace He gives it to us! St. Paul says confidently in a passage that you
will no doubt recognize: I have fought the good fight. I have finished the
race. I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of

3
righteousness, which the Lord will award to me on that Day. And not only
to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
St. James says something similar—Blessed is the man who remains
steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the
crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. And also
St. Peter: “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the
unfading crown of glory.”
The crown of glory—given to us by grace.
The crown of splendor—given to us because of His suffering.
The crown of life—given to us because of His death.
The crown of compassion—given to us in love for us to wear—and to
share with others.

Amen.