The Cross and the Crown (2)

INTRO

Full many a king a golden crown has worn,

But only one a diadem of thorn:

Full many a king has sat on jewelled throne;

But only One hung on a Cross alone:

Through garlanded gay streets, cheered by the crowd

Great kings have ridden—One, with His head bowed

Beneath the burden of His Cross, passed on

To die on Calvary, one King, but one:

All other kingdoms pass; are passing now—

Save His who wore the bramble on His brow. (John Stott, The Preacher’s Notebook)

Consider 4 crowns brought about by the cross of Christ

DISCUSSION

His Cross required a crown of humanity

Justice of God required an equal substitute for the punishment of sin (Heb 10:4-5)

He was crowned with glory and honor of a man (Heb 2:6-9)

Jesus was fully human

Ate and drank (Jn 20:15)

Needed rest (Mk 4:38)

socialized (Jn 2)

God’s justice required a pure sacrifice: Jesus lamb without spot (1 Pet 1:19)

His Cross required a crown of suffering

Purpose of Jesus’ humanity was for the suffering of death (Heb 2:9, 14)

Emotional suffering—mockery—crown of thorns (Jn 19:2)

His Cross exalted him to a crown of glory

The hour of suffering would lead to His glory (Jn 17:1, 4-5)

Received that glory at His ascension (Dan 7:13-14; 1 Tim 3:16; Phil 2:8-11)

He sits with the crown of glory over His kingdom today (Acts 2:30-36; Rev 19:11-16; Rev 6:2)

His Cross provides a crown of victory.

Those in the Lord’s army have a crown (Rev 3:11)

Strive for an incorruptible crown (1 Cor 9:25)

Given by the Lord to those

who love Him (Jam 1:12)

who love His appearing (2 Tim 4:8)

EXHORT

Jesus was crowned with humanity so He could suffer and be crowned in glory to give you a crown.

Amazing Grace—366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions 16. Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?

Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for ev’ry one, and there’s a cross for me.

The consecrated cross I’ll bear till death shall set me free, and then go home my crown to wear, for there’s a crown for me.

How happy are the saints above, who once went sorrowing here! But now they taste unmingled love, and joy without a tear.

O precious cross! O glorious crown! O resurrection day! Ye angels, from the stars come down and bear my soul away.