His Supreme Sacrifice

Hebrews 9:11-12 – But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. (NRSV)

Have you heard of the plant named "The Crown of Thorns"? I was told that this plant, the Euphorbia Milii, which is pliable and easily intertwined into the shape of a crown, is covered with sharp spike-like leaves. It boasts a beautiful flower, a bloom that is exquisite and delicate. But the remarkable feature about this plant is that it blooms unceasingly.

A crown of thorns was placed on Jesus' head. Through His own death, Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice for our sins with His precious blood shed on the cross. He paid the ransom. Redemption refers to the process of freeing a slave, a person who was owned by someone else and could be bought or sold according to the Old Testament laws. Christ died on the cross as a vicarious sacrifice for our redemption. Through His own death, Christ freed us from the slavery of sin forever. He suffered, endured the pain of the stabbing thorns of His crown and of the cross in order that we might have forgiveness of sin and know everlasting joy. There is no greater joy than the joy and peace we have in knowing Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Christ's love and forgiveness is unceasing, just as the Crown of Thorns plant goes on blooming. We, too, can bloom unceasingly by His grace, as do the blossoms on the "Crown of Thorns" plant.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for wearing a crown of thorns for us. Thank You for paying the supreme price for our redemption. May we live, by Your grace, blooming unceasingly for You. Amen.