Connect360: The Day He Wore My Crown

• Lesson 3 in the Connect360 unit “The Beauty of Restoration: The Final Days of Jesus” focuses on John 19:1-5.

The crown of thorns was made for Jesus, but it represents our sin and our shame. Only Jesus could take those away.

However, the Bible distinctly lists five crowns believers may obtain. Two words are used in the New Testament for crown. The one used for Jesus and for believers is stephanos and is where we get the name of Stephen. While our salvation is completely free and all by grace, Jesus spoke about our rewards in heaven and that we should lay up our treasures.

1. The Incorruptible Crown or “Imperishable Crown”—“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25).
2. Crown of Rejoicing or “Soul Winner’s Crown”—“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
3. Crown of Righteousness or “Agape (Love for His Appearing) Crown”— “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
4. Crown of Glory or “Elder’s Crown”—“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:2-4).
5. Crown of Life or “Martyr’s Crown”—“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

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