Mark: Living the Way of Jesus in the Worldनमूना

First Thought 

A cohort of soldiers was now in charge of Jesus. The mockery was sickening. It was also ironic. For Jesus was indeed their king, not only king of the Jews. Jesus had never set out to be a popular liberator, such as Barabbas likely hoped to be, despite many who wanted Him to take up such a role. The Son of God had chosen a different way, but one that took Him to the cross. Crucifixion was a cruel, agonizing, humiliating, and often slow death. Jesus cannot come down from the cross. It’s by means of the cross that He will demonstrate His ultimate authority and save the world. Mark’s readers know this. For those present at His crucifixion, Jesus was just another failed visionary. 

What Does the Bible Say?

Jesus died powerless. Yet He fulfilled God’s purpose to save and redeem the world. There was a greater power at work. How would you describe this? 

Living it Out

Hebrews 12:2 says about Jesus that ‘for the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame.’ Imagine Jesus’ joy in you. What difference does this make?

Responding in Prayer

Faithful God, you never give up. Deliverance comes from you. I come afresh to the cross, trusting in your great mercy, trusting in Jesus my Saviour who has delivered me from the power of sin and death (…). Amen.