Legume Family

Black Locust  "Yellow Locust" "Locust"
(Robinia pseudoacacia)

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24  

And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe.  John 19:2  (NRSV)

Thorn on Black Locust Stem

Black Locust Leaves and Seed Pods

	The Black Locust tree grows quickly and spreads easily .  Small thorns are located on the branches of young trees.  Thorns protect the saplings.
	Our Lord wore a crown of thorns when he suffered and died for us.  We do not know what kinds of thorns were used, but thorns hurt when they pierce our flesh.
	As leaves are raked under this tree we can think of how Jesus’ suffering and death gives us forgiveness and new life.

Dear Lord,
	Help us remember your suffering and dying so that we might be forgiven and live.  In your name we pray, Amen.