SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:21-26
Who are Alexander and Rufus, why does Mark mention them in his gospel?
Apparently they are known to the Christian community, likely they were followers of Jesus themselves.
Maybe they were with their dad Simon that day for the Passover Feast, maybe they followed their dad as he carried Jesus’ cross.
Maybe the impact of Jesus on their dad impacted them, and they believed.
Whether they saw it directly, or experienced it through their father, they become a part of the community of Jesus followers.
This passage shows the impact of Jesus’ suffering and death, but also the impact of a parents living faith on their children.
Take time today to reflect on what Jesus went through, use your imagination to carry the cross with Jesus, to allow its impact to reverberate in you.
Then take a moment to think about how your experience of this impacts those around you, leading them to experience it with you, and maybe even believe.
Take a moment to watch a powerful musical version of this story.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, Your cross is too heavy for me. Thank You for carrying it for me. May my experience of You positively impact my children, and all those who know me.
Interesting that the kids are mentioned. I never thought I might be following Jesus and raising a Muslim son. Difficult at best, but I pray that he sees my relationship with Jesus and that it impacts him in a positive way.
Observation/Application
Yes, watch the Lamb.
The Lamb Who takes away the sin of the world.
All the activities leading up to this point happened during the night – trying to coverup the wrong doings. Jesus was crucified like a criminal and yet . . .
the words written of the charge against Him showed the truth . . . He was the King and still is today. And I must yield to that authority and be a true subject, serving that King with my whole being – not forced like Simon by the officials to do what he was told, but yielding my allegiance full and free to the Master Who died for me. He suffered and died so that I can live this day serving Him – My Lord and my God!
Prayer
Help me this day Lord to be a living witness of Christ to not only my family but to all who know me – serving the King.
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Living for Jesus wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.