THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:21-26 “Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus…” (Mark 15:21) Have you ever heard of Alexander and Rufus? How is it that Mark knows their names, when the other gospel writers do not? Why is it that Mark assumes his readers will know them? One guess is to think about the impact…
That’s my king!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:16-20 “Hail, king of the Jews!” (Mark 15:18) How can this scene even be possible? God’s Word made flesh subjected to hurtful human words. The authorities taunt and torment the Authority. How can God endure such mockery, from those He made? The irony is that what they say is true. And the…
Substitution!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:6-15 “Pilate released Barabbas to them.” (Mark 15:15) In sports, a substitution is when one player steps in for another. In this scene, we are witnessing the most important substitution. The contrast between Barabbas and Jesus could not be more obvious. Thankfully, Jesus is exactly the substitution we needed. Jesus does not…
Why do I post my bible reflections?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Every day for the last 10+ years I have been posting my reflections here. I am so thankful to ‘tdk’ for supporting me with his own…
When I stand accused?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:1-5 “‘See how many things they accuse you of.’ But Jesus made no reply.” (Mark 15:5) Why is Jesus quiet when He is being falsely accused? Its not ‘normal’; we usually go into defense and attack mode. Jesus knew that defending Himself was pointless; no one would listen. He also knew God’s…
My hands in His!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 63 “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8) Life in this world can be very difficult. For many people, its a struggle for survival, to hang on. This is not my experience, but I know many people living like this. Its seems simplistic to say, ‘hang on to…
A life that honors God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Nehemiah 4-5 “But out of reverence for God I did not act like that.” (Nehemiah 5:15) If we constantly lived with an awareness of God, would we behave differently? Nehemiah lived and prayed as if God was right there with him. He made sure that his behavior was reflected His reverence and love…
Ora et labora
THE STORY OF JESUS: Nehemiah 1-3 “I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king.” (Nehemiah 2:4-5) I like how Nehemiah speaks to both kings at the same time. He talks to God, and he answers king Artaxerxes. He acts in both the realm of Spirit, and the realm of man. Which, properly speaking…
Turning point tears
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:66-72 “And Peter broke down and wept.” (Mark 14:72) As I watch Peter in this scene, I sense Jesus looking at me! ‘How about you, how have you betrayed me?’ Ouch, it is easier to look at Peter and his failure. Certain moments come to mind, ones that I am not proud…
Standing with the Messiah!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:60-65 “‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ ”I am,’said Jesus.” (Mark 14:61-62) When “Son” language is used of Jesus, it refers to Him as the promised Messiah. “Son of the Blessed One” is not a divine title, but an divine affirmation. He is a human being after God’s…