Definition: And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his [head],

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark – Verse 17 – really simply. It describes a very dramatic and gruesome part of Jesus' crucifixion. Here’s what it means: Basically, the Romans were making Jesus look like a king or a celebrity. They took him dressed in luxurious robes (purple) and put a crown of thorns on his head. Here's a little more detail: Purple: Purple was a very expensive dye used for royalty and high status. So, putting it on Jesus meant they were showing him off as someone important and special. Crown of Thorns: This is a symbolic gesture. The crown of thorns represents the pain and suffering he endured – the humiliation and anguish he felt. It’s a reminder of his sacrifice. Why did they do this? They were trying to make Jesus appear more impressive, more powerful, and more worthy of worship than he already was. It was a way for them to feel like they had won against God. Important Note: This is a very intense image, and it’s important to remember that it depicts a horrific act of violence. It’s a representation of the pain and death Jesus suffered. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this passage in the Bible? Talk about what this imagery might symbolize?