PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 27:27-31
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’” (Matthew 27:29)
I have a huge sensitivity to suffering.
I can’t see myself doing this — shaming someone, spitting on them, beating them.
What happens to a person to make them capable of this, and could I be like this?
Is there something of nature, and something of nurture in it?
If I was raised (nurtured) in the same context, would I have become what they were?
If I had endured the same experiences, or faced the same challenges or abuses…
Or is there something in me (nature) that would resist this cruel, cowardly behaviour?
I like to think that it’s not in my nature, but that implies I am better than them.
Is my character somehow superior or purer than theirs.
As hard as it is, I can’t look at these soldiers and see myself as superior.
Instead I have to focus on Jesus and see how superior He is to me, to us.
That He would willingly step into our cruelty, so that He can help us… help me…
If I knew that I would be mocked, spit on, beaten, would I step in to help?
Could I be like this?
PRAYER
Lord, humble me by the character of these soldiers, and inspire me by Your character. Show me that while I am capable on my own of their cruelty, that I am capable of so much more with Your help!
Lord thank you for forgiving me at the worst of who I am. Make me better and help me forgive those who want to hurt me. When someone hits me, Lord help me to not want to hit them back.
The mockery – the chance to have power over someone. What is it inside us/me – that allows us human beings to be abusive – treating someone else as a ‘thing’ to be kicked around. I know its in my human nature and I find it disgusting. It’s sin for what it is – trying to exercise power. I don’t like power – I’ve been affected by it through the hands of others who ganged up on me – they enjoyed tormenting me. When I think of Jesus in today’s reading I think of that experience – Lord help me even in small ways not to abuse anyone even in what may appear to be minor – but is a major for someone else.
Jesus suffered so that I could live. By His suffering He won my freedom and restored me in my relationship with the Father. Help me this day – a day where God Is First Today – to live for Jesus, serving Him in all I do and say.
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into your hands
For it’s only in your will that I am free
For it’s only in your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be