TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Mark 15:17-18
Listen: Mark 15
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The soldiers wasted no time when Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. They called together a larger group and began to beat him physically and psychologically. They held a mock coronation with a crown of thorns for Christ. The irony was intentional—they wanted him to feel small. They wanted their words to hurt. Sometimes we forget Jesus was human and that these words didn’t just bounce off of him. They sunk in. Jesus experiences this shame and verbal abuse for doing what is right.
Jesus was not the only one in church history to be persecuted for doing what was right. History is full of people who are treated badly or mocked for doing the right thing. What about you, have you been mocked for doing what was right? Your bid wasn’t chosen because you were unwilling to do something under the table. You failed a test because you wouldn’t cheat like everyone else. Or you didn’t get a job or promotion because you wouldn’t do something unethical. Jesus knows what it’s like. Our God knows how it feels.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Take a few moments and think back on a time when you were made fun of for doing something you knew was right. How did you feel? Did you experience shame? Take some time this morning to stop and consider that Christ experienced those same emotions. He was mocked and the words hurt. He went through all of that mockery and shame for you. Give thanks this morning to Jesus for enduring this shame on your behalf.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
