Sunday Morning Modern Service

The Mocking of Jesus – the Four Gospels combined

After Pilate had Jesus scourged, the governor’s soldiers took Him into the Praetorium, where the whole cohort was gathered. They stripped Him of His clothes and, in cruel mockery, dressed Him in a robe — scarlet according to Matthew, purple according to Mark and John, both colors signifying royalty.

They twisted together a crown of thorns and pressed it onto His head. Into His hand they placed a reed as though it were a royal scepter. Then they knelt before Him in false homage, sneering, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

One after another, they spat on Him, struck Him in the face, and took the reed from His hand to beat Him on the head, driving the thorns deeper. Some slapped Him, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is it that struck You?” They ridiculed Him, mocked His claim to kingship, and treated Him with contempt.

After they had finished their cruel game, they stripped off the robe, put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.