People in many lines of work wear hats to signify their expertise or the authority of their position. Military personnel wear hats in keeping with their jobs and branch of service. Police officers and park rangers’ hats signify their duty to protect and serve their communities.
We are often said to “wear hats,” referring to our varied life roles such as Husband, Wife, Dad, Mom, Boss, Director, Consumer Advocate, Pastor, Meter Maid, Team Captain, Maestro, Driver, Teacher, Principal, CEO, Senator, Social Worker, Friend…and all the rest.
Think of the huge range of hat styles in this world: beanie and bonnet, cloche and coonskin, fedora and fez, Panama, pillbox, sailor, Santa, turban and tiara and crown. Hats reflect our lifestyle and preferences; they’re a form of self-expression, and sometimes they just cover up a bad hair day. Whether to be stylish or simply utilitarian, hats say much about who we are as individuals.
I’ve only heard of one Person wearing a Crown of Thorns, though. As Jesus sacrificed himself for the salvation of all humanity, this was the hat He wore: a humiliating, torturous, painful Crown of Thorns.
“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.” (John 19:1-3).
Jesus’ message of redemption, and the price He paid to reconcile us to God, challenges us to see others through His eyes. We realize that each of us is just as much in need of confessing sin, repenting and asking God’s forgiveness as everyone else…and on a daily basis. Just as Jesus loves us in our brokenness and imperfection, we are to treat others with love and compassion. Jesus is our shining hope in a world filled with darkness and uncertainty, the ultimate symbol of love, redemption, and grace. So tip all your hats to Jesus…none can compare to the crown He wore for you that day.
PRAYER: Jesus, it was my sin that caused you to endure the cross. It was me who lacerated your head, torturing you with thorns around your brow. Thank you for paying my penalty. Because of your sacrifice, I have forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. It’s not enough to tip my hat…I bow my knee, for you alone are worthy to be praised. Amen.