TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Mark 15:22-24a
Read: Mark 15:1-39
Listen: Mark 15
TODAY’S MESSAGE
There are many things for Jesus to focus on at the end of his final week. One is the farce of a trial charging him with treason. Another is the mockery of a procession that starts at the barracks of the Imperial Guard and ends at the crucifixion site. Finally, there is the execution itself where he is hung between two criminals and killed. But Jesus focuses on the only thing that matters on this particular Friday—the cross. It’s the same thing we’ll focus on this week leading up to Easter.
Things move quickly as we walk through the final trial, procession and execution. Personalities enter and exit rapidly: religious leaders, Roman officials, soldiers, the leader of a rebellion, a man from the countryside and two thieves. But we need to ignore the distractions and focus our eyes where Jesus does—at the cross. When we do, we’ll see the cross of Jesus in a new light and new way, causing us to live different lives.
The cross is death, but really it’s an invitation for a real, deep, rich life. This life includes eternity with Jesus but also a life full of meaning, purpose and joy right now. We’ll uncover this week how Jesus offers us this life as the Servant, the King and the Savior.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you head towards Good Friday, pray a prayer of openness to see the cross in a new way. Pray, “Father, I am grateful for all Jesus did for me on the cross. Help me see the cross as an invitation to the deep, rich life you offer right now to all who believe. Help me to grasp tightly this Jesus-giving life. Amen.”
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
ROMANS 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
