2. “When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"” Matt. 27:29

3. Annas had questioned Caiaphas had examined Sanhedrin had condemned Pilate had shuffled his responsibility Herod tried to satisfy his curiosity Pilate let the mob make his decision

4. Soldiers pretended he was a king Purple robe on his shoulders Reed in his hand - scepter Crown on his head Crowned with a crown of thorns ! !

6. Not a Martyr “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5 1 Pet. 2:24 bare our sins in his own body by whose stripes ye were healed

7. Gen. 3:17-18 Adam and Eve sinned Cursed is the ground “thorns also and thistles” Num. 33:55 “thorns in your sides” Pro. 22:5 “Thorns and snares”

8. The most exact symbol of sin Wounded for our sins Bruised for our inquities Tasted death for every man - Heb. 2:9

10. Luke 9:23 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Christ had pain When we take up our cross and follow Jesus then we will have pain.

11. Risk of loving Being an example Leading Providing Training

12. Study Preparation Time “Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.” James 3:1 ASV

13. 2 Cor. 11:23-28 Willing to deny himself Took up his cross daily He followed Jesus

15. Soldiers did not believe He was a king Established a kingdom It is world-wide Will last until end of time

16. Napoleon “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I, myself, have founded great empires, but upon what did those creations of our genius depend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded his empire upon love and to this day millions would die for him.”

17. Christ has love of millions - 1 Jn.4:19 Parents - children love them Teachers - students will love them God will love us

18. “that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves” John 17:13 Inward peace and joy Pleasure of parenthood Thrill of teaching a soul

19. Christ - to be in heaven Parents fulfill responsibility to children Teachers help save a soul

20. “a crown of righteousness” 2 Tim. 4:8

21. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249evanscoc@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Morning Nov. 7, 2010