The Mocking of the King: A Lenten Reflection on Jesus’ Humiliation and Glory
Joe and Nico….. exceptionally brave leaders
As I prepare my heart for Lent, I have been reflecting on the courage of two unlikely followers of Jesus—Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Both were wealthy, influential men. Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, and Nicodemus, a Pharisee, risked their reputations by disagreeing with the condemnation of Jesus. While Peter and the other disciples were in hiding, these men boldly stepped forward after the crucifixion: Joseph offered his own tomb for Jesus’ burial, and Nicodemus brought seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes—an extravagant offering fit for a king. They did this without knowing that Jesus would rise from the dead. Their devotion challenges me: am I willing to honor Christ when others flee in fear?
The Mocking of the King: Two Robes of Humiliation
While reflecting on Jesus’ trial and suffering, I noticed something I had never considered before. In Matthew, Mark, and John, Jesus is taken before the Praetorian Guard, where He is mocked, beaten, and crowned with thorns. This likely took place in the Antonia Fortress, where 600 elite Roman soldiers (150 on each wall) gathered as a precaution against Passover unrest and to protect Pilate.
The contrast is striking—Jesus, beaten and humiliated, surrounded by hundreds of men hurling insults at Him. Yet He remains silent, demonstrating absolute self-control and love.
Just hours earlier, when Peter drew his sword to fight those sent to arrest Jesus, our Lord rebuked him:
“Put your sword back in its place… Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:52-53)
A Roman legion had 6,000 soldiers, meaning 72,000 angels were at His command. And yet, He chose restraint.
To put this in perspective, one angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night (2 Kings 19:35). Jesus had infinite power available, yet He willingly endured suffering.
This moment underscores His deliberate choice to submit, not out of weakness, but out of obedience and love.
Yet in Luke’s Gospel, this scene is absent. Instead, Luke records a different moment of humiliation: Jesus was brought before Herod Antipas. Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him, placing a fine robe on Him before sending Him back to Pilate.
This means that Jesus was clothed in mockery twice:
1. Herod’s robe – A luxurious garment, mocking His prophetic identity and messianic claim.
2. The Roman soldiers’ robe – A purple robe, mocking His kingship.
It is striking that the world dressed Jesus as a king only to scorn Him, yet in Revelation 19:16, we see the truth: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” is written on His robe in triumph.
The Three Languages on the Cross: Representing Those Who Mocked Him
Another powerful detail emerges in John 19:19-20, where Pilate orders the inscription above Jesus’ head:
“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”—written in Hebrew (Aramaic), Latin, and Greek.
Each language represents a culture that played a role in His humiliation:
1. Hebrew (Aramaic) – The Language of the Sanhedrin & High Priests
The religious leaders falsely accused Him, spit on Him, slapped Him, and mocked His prophecy (Matthew 26:67-68).
The Jewish mob demanded His crucifixion and preferred Barabbas (Luke 23:18-23).
2. Latin – The Language of the Roman Empire
The Roman soldiers scourged Jesus, placed a crown of thorns on His head, draped Him in a purple robe, and beat Him while spitting on Him (John 19:1-3, Matthew 27:27-31).
Pilate himself presented Jesus mockingly as “King of the Jews” (John 19:14-15).
3. Greek – The Language of the Hellenized World
Herod Antipas treated Jesus like a joke, dressing Him in an elegant robe as a spectacle (Luke 23:11).
The Seven Groups Who Humiliated Jesus
Throughout His passion, Jesus endured mockery, rejection, and scorn from every level of society:
1. The Sanhedrin & High Priests – False accusations, physical humiliation, and mockery of His divine authority.
2. Roman Soldiers – Physical brutality, the crown of thorns, and a robe of mockery.
3. Pilate – A public display of mockery, presenting Jesus sarcastically as “King of the Jews.”
4. Herod Antipas – Contempt and ridicule, clothing Jesus in mock majesty.
5. The Jewish Mob – Choosing Barabbas over Jesus, shouting for crucifixion.
6. The Thief on the Cross – One of the criminals crucified beside Jesus mocked His inability to save Himself (Luke 23:39).
7. Bystanders & Chief Priests – Insulting Jesus while He suffered, taunting Him to come down from the cross (Matthew 27:41-43).
The Irony of the Mockery: They Proclaimed the Truth Without Knowing It
The most astonishing aspect of this mockery is its unintended truth:
The Sanhedrin mocked Jesus as a prophet, yet He was the Prophet foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).
The Romans mocked Him as a king, yet He was the King of Kings.
Pilate sarcastically called Him “King of the Jews”, yet He truly was the long-awaited Messiah.
Herod scorned His divine power, yet Jesus will one day return in glory to judge the living and the dead.
Even the inscription on the cross—“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”—was a declaration of His identity, written in the languages of the known world.
The Lesson for Lent: Will We Honor Him or Hide?
As I reflect on these details, I am struck by the contrast between Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea—who honored Jesus after His death—and the other disciples who fled in fear. It reminds me that the cost of discipleship is real. Jesus endured shame, ridicule, and suffering so that we might be clothed in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).
This Lent, I ask myself:
Will I be like Nicodemus, who first came at night in fear, but later stepped forward in courage?
Will I be like Joseph of Arimathea, offering my best for Jesus, even when it costs me everything?
Will I recognize my own tendency to mock, reject, or remain silent when Christ is dishonored?
Will I reflect on the irony of the mockery—that the world declared His kingship even while trying to humiliate Him?
Lent is a season of repentance and renewal. May we strip away our fear, our hesitation, and our pride—so that we may boldly proclaim Jesus, the King of Glory.