AN AMAZING FACT: Some of the finest gems in the world are in the crown jewels of England. The king’s crown weighs more than 39 ounces. It was made in 1838 and contains many jewels from older crowns, some dating back hundreds of years. It has almost 300 pearls, 2,818 diamonds, plus magnificent rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other gems.
“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head” (Matthew 27:27–29).
Jesus’ crown while on Earth was a crown of thorns fashioned by the cruel hands of the Roman soldiers. In contrast, the apostle John describes what it will be like when Jesus returns. “Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown” (Revelation 14:14).
Paul wrote about the “crown of righteousness” that was laid up for him, which God would present to him and to everyone who is happy to see Christ return. This crown will be far more special and well designed than any crown jewels the world has ever seen!
What have we done to deserve such a reward? Absolutely nothing—we don’t deserve it. We’re not righteous, but Jesus is. In mercy He has redeemed us and reconciled us to God, and it is His desire to give us the crown that only He deserves.
Jesus’ crown while on Earth was a crown of thorns fashioned by the cruel hands of the Roman soldiers. In contrast, the apostle John describes what it will be like when Jesus returns. “Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown” (Revelation 14:14).
Paul wrote about the “crown of righteousness” that was laid up for him, which God would present to him and to everyone who is happy to see Christ return. This crown will be far more special and well designed than any crown jewels the world has ever seen!
What have we done to deserve such a reward? Absolutely nothing—we don’t deserve it. We’re not righteous, but Jesus is. In mercy He has redeemed us and reconciled us to God, and it is His desire to give us the crown that only He deserves.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8