TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
They put a purple robe on [Jesus], 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
Read: Mark 15:16-26
Listen: Mark 15
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus now has all the parts of a Roman triumphal procession: royalty, a crown, adulation and a sacrifice. Except it’s not a triumph—it’s an anti-triumph. Jesus is not the hero but condemned to die. He is mockingly dressed in purple, receives a “crown” of thorns and receives homage and accolades from the soldiers in the form of spit and painful blows. He is also the sacrifice. But what looks like a triumphal procession is really the opposite with mockery, abuse, torture and death.
Mark’s Roman audience clearly understands his message that Jesus is the King. But the message is one the Jewish religious leaders refuse to believe, Pilate tries to avoid and the soldiers mock him for. They all know about the rule and role of a king. They just don’t think Jesus is one.
Mark also invites us to see Jesus as the King. To embrace the cross is to embrace Jesus as our King and authority as we submit every part of our life to his leadership. It means we no longer do what we want, when we want and how we want. Authority of our life is no longer our own—it is his.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
In your journal, write a prayer of loyalty and commitment to Jesus as your King. Name two or three parts of your life where giving him authority is difficult. Ask for the help of his Spirit as you begin to bring these areas under his rule.
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.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
