day 34: The Governor's solider

Day 34: The Governor’s Soldiers

Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:27:31A

There is something deeply unsettling about this scene, not just because of the physical violence, but because of the casual cruelty. The soldiers are not acting out of deep hatred alone; they are entertained. They laugh, they mock, they play along. And in doing so, they reveal how easily the human heart can become numb to the suffering of another. Yet what is even more striking is the silence of Jesus. He does not defend Himself. He does not call down power. He does not correct their mockery. Instead, He receives it. He bears it. He absorbs the full weight of human sin, not only the sin of violence, but the sin of indifference, mockery, and pride. And here is where the gospel begins to confront us personally.

Because if we are honest, we may not be so different from the soldiers. We may not strike Christ physically, but we often crown other things as king in our lives—success, comfort, control. We may not mock Him with words, but we sometimes live as though His lordship is optional, as though His suffering carries little weight in our daily decisions. Still, Jesus remains steadfast.

He endures the crown of thorns so that we might receive a crown of life. He is clothed in mockery so that we might be clothed in righteousness. He stands silent so that grace might speak louder than our sin. This passage calls us to reconsider what it truly means to follow Christ. If our King reigns through humility, then our lives must reflect that same humility. If our King suffers for others, then we are invited to lay down our lives in love for others. The question is no longer whether Jesus is King—the soldiers unknowingly declared that long ago. The question is whether we will recognize Him as such… and bow not in mockery, but in surrender.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know my guilt and shame was transferred to Jesus when he willingly went to the cross. Though he was King of the universe, for our sake he was crucified. He experienced the worst reception that of a criminal, but was received to glory by you. Help me receive him like you did, Father, in my heart with love.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church