ONE of the many occupations that add to the joys of childhood days, is the making of wreaths. When I was a child, I often strung oak-leaves together with their own stems for pins, and braided clover into wreaths. One of the girls in our picture has a wreath of flowers around her head and she is adorning her sister’s hair with more of the flowers.
Dear children, does this wreath or crown of flowers remind you of a crown about which you have read in the Bible? If you do not remember, you will find in the Gospel of Matthew,
Whose head, dear children? I think you all would answer, “The head of Jesus.” And how would it feel to have a crown of thorns on your head? You all know, I am sure, that it would be very painful to have the cruel thorns piercing into the flesh.
Why was the blessed Saviour made to suffer in this way? Had He done wrong and did He deserve punishment? No, dear reader; you and I were the ones who did wrong. It was on account of sin that Jesus wore the crown of thorns. It was for our sins that the nails were driven through His hands and feet—sin caused Him to be spit upon, mocked and scourged. Yes, and more than that: God Himself turned away from His well-beloved Son, because He was bearing your sins and mine when hanging on the cross. Is not your heart touched by such wonderful love? We deserved the punishment, but Jesus bore it all that we might escape God’s wrath and judgment.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Do you believe? The message is for you. Do you feel the need of a Saviour? He is anxious to save you. Confess to God your lost, sinful condition, and accept the salvation He offers to you.
Jesus wore the crown of thorns, but if saved by His grace, you will wear the crown of life throughout the endless ages of eternity.
ML 04/16/1916