Word@Work 200 - Mark 15:25-30
Published: Tue, 09/02/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 15:25-30 It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: The King of the Jews. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!" (NIV)
The charge of treason was above Jesus' head - "King of the Jews". Yet it was only partly true: Jesus was certainly the anointed One of Israel, but He was also the King of Kings. It was Caesar's responsibility to submit to Christ, not vice versa. So in this half-truth, the Roman state wriggled out of its responsibility to bow to Jesus (as national governments in secularised Europe do today).
But the defamation of the Son of God was not only legal, but very personal. Jesus was prophesied to be 'numbered with the transgressors' (Is 53:12) - not just a part of the headcount of three executions that day, but He was counted to be a transgressor ... because He bore the sin of many. The popular vote supported this death. Public ridicule added insults to His injuries, and yet He was dying for their sins too. Misquoting Scripture (a Satanic hallmark), they continued to mock His resurrection claim, assuming that it was the nails that held Him to the cross. But Jesus was choosing the suffering because He loved them!
The ridicule of Christ and His followers has continued ever since. Now that there is little fear of God in Western culture, it's considered better that Jesus is marginalised to the outdated traditionalists or the eccentric enthusiasts. But when His claim to be King is inescapable, derision in its many forms is thought to put Him in His place. But His place is to be King; and our place is to worship and obey Him. To do so, brings blessing to us and glory to Him. Refusal brings judgement - the very thing that the death of Jesus was designed to save us from.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for helping me to understand why some of my friends and family want to ridicule You (and me, for serving You). Nevertheless, I know that You died for a world full of those who defy Your Kingship; because you loved us. So help me to patiently endure the scoffing, in a Christ-like way, trusting that Your grace will lead them to repentance and the joy of Your service. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The charge of treason was above Jesus' head - "King of the Jews". Yet it was only partly true: Jesus was certainly the anointed One of Israel, but He was also the King of Kings. It was Caesar's responsibility to submit to Christ, not vice versa. So in this half-truth, the Roman state wriggled out of its responsibility to bow to Jesus (as national governments in secularised Europe do today).
But the defamation of the Son of God was not only legal, but very personal. Jesus was prophesied to be 'numbered with the transgressors' (Is 53:12) - not just a part of the headcount of three executions that day, but He was counted to be a transgressor ... because He bore the sin of many. The popular vote supported this death. Public ridicule added insults to His injuries, and yet He was dying for their sins too. Misquoting Scripture (a Satanic hallmark), they continued to mock His resurrection claim, assuming that it was the nails that held Him to the cross. But Jesus was choosing the suffering because He loved them!
The ridicule of Christ and His followers has continued ever since. Now that there is little fear of God in Western culture, it's considered better that Jesus is marginalised to the outdated traditionalists or the eccentric enthusiasts. But when His claim to be King is inescapable, derision in its many forms is thought to put Him in His place. But His place is to be King; and our place is to worship and obey Him. To do so, brings blessing to us and glory to Him. Refusal brings judgement - the very thing that the death of Jesus was designed to save us from.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for helping me to understand why some of my friends and family want to ridicule You (and me, for serving You). Nevertheless, I know that You died for a world full of those who defy Your Kingship; because you loved us. So help me to patiently endure the scoffing, in a Christ-like way, trusting that Your grace will lead them to repentance and the joy of Your service. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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