TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Mark 15:32
Listen: Mark 15
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Sometimes when we say, “The Cross,” we are using shorthand—brushing past all the details of Jesus’ crucifixion. He was spat upon, beaten, whipped and punched out. The physical toll of such a death is impossible for us to imagine, but the physical pain inflicted on Jesus’ body is not the only aspect of his death worth considering. The crucifixion of Jesus was purposefully psychological torture as well. He was mocked, made fun of and mistreated by Pontius Pilate, the soldiers and all the spectators. Yet Scripture tells us he endured it with joy. Watch the video clip below of Senior Pastor Jeff Manion talking about the joy Christ had while on the cross.
As we continue our series “Road to the Cross,” this week we focus on the mockery and shame Christ endured on the way there. We hope to trade in any “plastic versions of Jesus” and become acquainted (or reacquainted) with the real one. We will look at how he was treated by Pilate in his trial before the crowd. We will consider how the guards acted towards Jesus. And finally, we will see how the spectators treated Christ on the cross. As we consider how Christ was mocked and shamed, we will find our Lord to be a great guide for handling our own shame.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider the events leading up to the crucifixion. Take some time to pray and ask that you don’t miss the opportunity to be acquainted with the real Jesus. With spring break and all of the great Easter festivities coming soon—it can be easy to get caught up in the details and excitement. Take time to consider the events leading up to the Crucifixion and give thanks to God for the gift of his Son.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
