Crown of Thorns and the Disc Golf Course: Choosing Humility Over Pride

“And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him.” — Mark 15:17 (ESV)

There’s nothing quite like the confidence that comes from a great round of disc golf—a smooth release, a crushed drive, a clutch putt. When everything’s clicking, it’s easy to feel on top of the world—like a king of the course.

But what happens when the disc kicks off a tree, when your 15-foot putt turns into a triple bogey, or when your round just falls apart? The confidence fades. Frustration creeps in. Pride takes a hit.

Jesus and the Crown of Thorns: A Lesson in True Humility

In Mark 15:17, Jesus is dressed in a purple robe and crowned—not with gold, but with thorns. He’s mocked by Roman soldiers, humiliated by those who should have feared Him. The purple robe and crown of thorns were symbols meant to mock His kingship, yet through this brutal moment, Christ reveals His greatest strength: humility.

Jesus didn’t respond with pride or anger. He endured the shame, the pain, and the ridicule—for us. He wore the crown of suffering so that we could wear the crown of life.

Disc Golf, Disappointment, and the Path of Humility

As disc golfers, it’s easy to let our identity ride the highs and lows of performance. A strong round inflates our ego. A rough one deflates it. But as followers of Jesus, we’re called to something deeper: humility rooted in the cross.

True strength isn’t found in perfect rounds—it’s found in the willingness to lay aside our pride. Whether we’re struggling on the course or facing challenges in life, we can look to Jesus, who humbled Himself far more than we ever could.

So next time your game unravels or you’re tempted to define yourself by your rating, pause and remember: our Savior wore a crown of thorns so we wouldn’t have to carry the burden of proving ourselves. He embraced shame so we could walk in grace.

Play With Purpose, Walk in Humility

Your worth isn’t in birdies or bogeys—it’s in the One who endured the cross. Let that truth shape the way you play, compete, and live. When you walk the fairway, walk with the confidence of being loved by the King—who wore thorns so you could walk free.

TAG you’re it!

👉 How has embracing humility—on the course, in your faith, or in life—changed your perspective?

👉 Have you ever had a tough moment on the course that reminded you of Christ’s example of humility?

💬 Drop a comment and share your story. You never know who it might encourage today.