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F O O D F O R T HO UG HT • •
A purple cloak and a
crown of thorns?
READ: Matthew 27:27-44
REV WILLIE BOTHA
WHAT HAPPENS IN MATTHEW 27 IS PRE-EMINENTLY
DRAMATIC IRONY. SO MANY THINGS HAPPEN IN A WAY
TOTALLY DIFFERENT TO WHAT THE READER EXPECTS.
S
hortly before Jesus was
still performing miracles,
He enjoyed the admiration of
the crowd when He entered
Jerusalem. But now tide has
turned against Jesus. Judas sold
Him out and Peter renounced
Him. There was no sign of the
other disciples, which He hand-
picked. Where the crowds jostled
to see Him before, He was now
alone. Earlier a magnet, now for-
gotten.
In the governor’s official residence
they dress Jesus in a purple cloak,
a royal garment. He is belittled
because He is not really a king.
A crown of thorns is placed on
His head and a cane is handed
to Him as sceptre. Pagan soldiers
spit on Him and ridicule Him.
The mixture of gall and wine is far
removed from the wonderful wine
He made of water in Canaan,
which the guests could not get
enou