Purple is the color of royalty. In the ancient world, it was expensive, rare, and reserved for kings and emperors. And yet, we read that soldiers put a purple robe on Jesus — not to honor Him, but to mock Him. They pressed a crown of thorns into His head and bowed down, sneering: “Hail, King of the Jews!” Purple meant power. But here, purple was used to humiliate. A crown became a weapon. A robe became a joke. This is the heart of Lent: the King we follow does not enter with parades and armies, but with humility and suffering.

 

Put It into Practice:  Embrace the way of the cross. Choose one intentional act of sacrificial love this week: serving someone, forgiving without being asked, or giving generously. In prayer, declare: “Jesus, You are King here.”

 

Day 1 John 12:12-19

Reflect: What expectations do the crowds place on Jesus as He enters? How does He quietly subvert their hopes without confronting them? Why is it difficult to follow a King who doesn’t play by our rules? 

Apply: Where do your expectations of Jesus conflict with His actual way of ruling? How do you respond when obedience costs more than celebration? What would draw a crowd to Jesus today?

Pray: Lord Jesus, I praise You as the humble King who entered Jerusalem to bring salvation, just as the crowds hailed You with branches and shouts of “Hosanna.” Help me to truly follow You, even when Your path leads to sacrifice.

 

Day 2 Mark 15:16–26

Reflect: What stirs your heart when you read this? Why? What power is being mocked in this scene, and what power is actually being revealed? What does it cost Jesus to remain silent and obedient?  

Apply: Where do you resist a King who reigns through weakness rather than force? Sit with the image of the crucified Christ and ask: What does it mean for Him to be King here? Now give the King praise.

Pray: Dear Jesus, You were stripped of Your garments and clothed in a purple robe, a mockery of Your royalty. Thank You for humbling Yourself to endure this shame. May Your love and sacrifice reign in my heart.

 

Day 3 John 18:28–40 

Reflect: Why does Pilate seem more unsettled by Jesus than by the accusations against Him? What does Jesus’ definition of His kingdom reveal about power, authority, and truth? Try to define truth. 

Apply: Where are you tempted to measure God’s kingdom by worldly standards of success or control? How do you respond when truth threatens your comfort or position? Sing to the King today!

Pray: Heavenly Father, I want to learn the lessons that You would teach me and to live in willing obedience and dependence upon You. May I never fear the trials in my life, but live as You intended, learning obedience through my sufferings so that in all things I may say: “Your will not mine be done.”

 

Day 4 1 Timothy 6:15-16

Reflect: What happens to human pride when Christ is named the only King? How does verse 16 shape your understanding of worship and your pursuit of Him during this Lent season? 

Apply: Where is God inviting you to release control and bow in trust? What lesser powers compete for your allegiance—achievement, security, control, approval? How will you give honor to the King today?

Pray: Thank You that You sent Jesus to be among us so that by His death and resurrection, my sins are forgiven, and I am clothed in His righteousness. 

 

Day 5 1 Timothy 1:15-17 

Reflect: What does the text reveal about Jesus’ kingship that mercy, not domination, is at the center? Why and how does Paul’s worship flow naturally out of his honesty about sin and grace? 

Apply: How might your past, rather than disqualifying you, become a testimony to Christ’s reign? For what reasons are you grateful that Jesus is your King? Write your own praise proclamation to Him.

Pray: Lord, I am a product of Your grace, and I thank You for saving me. I am humbled that You would choose to save someone like me and make me a recipient of Your everlasting life.