THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:16-20 “And they began to call out to him, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’” (Mark 15:18) I remember singing a chorus in the 90s, ‘All hail King Jesus!’ I may not have always sang it with full understanding, but I didn’t sing it in mockery. This abuse would have been painful to Jesus…
Who are we releasing into the world?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:6-15 “Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them.” (Mark 15:15) This moment is a sad commentary on human nature, on all of us. We were made to please God, but we have become slaves to other’s opinions. Being a ‘people-pleaser’ is a dead end path, it leads to our…
Have you said so?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:1-5 “‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate. ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.” (Mark 15:2) Pilate is asking a loaded question, and Jesus gives an ambiguous answer. The reason for this answer is clearer in John 18:33-38. The religious leaders were trying to put Jesus against Rome and it’s authority….
Turning point tears!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:66-72 “And he broke down and wept.” (Mark 14:72) Have you ever been disappointed with yourself? You do something that you know is wrong, and you hate yourself for it. In addition to guilt, your pride is also wounded — you thought better of yourself. Peter had boasted about his loyalty (see…
The promised messiah!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:61-65 “You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62) For the religious leaders, Jesus left no doubt who He thought He was. “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one…
The defense rests!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:53-61 “But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.” (Mark 14:61) I have a hard time holding my tongue when I feel I’m being treated unfairly. When a situation shows me in a poor light, I am quick to defend myself. The harder I try to defend self, the guiltier I look….
Leading people to Jesus?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:43-52 “Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.” (Mark 14:45) Judas has been pretending to be with Jesus. He pretends to respect Jesus by calling him ‘teacher’ (Rabbi). But most painful of all, he pretends to love Jesus by a kiss. Poor Judas, these are signs of a…
I am weak but He is strong!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:37-42 “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38) Jesus says this for Himself, as well as for His disciples. He is watching and praying so that He does not fall in to temptation. He was sinless by choice, but that took effort and faith on His part. He…
Thank you… Dad!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:32-36 “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you.” (Mark 14:36) Jesus relates to the all-powerful sovereign God very personally. He uses the Aramaic word that a child would use for their father: abba, daddy dad. Think about how Prince George and Princess Charlotte speak to their parents. Not with their titles, Prince…
Familiar with all my ways!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:27-31 “Truly I tell you… you yourself will disown me three times.” (Mark 14:30) Jesus knows each one of us very well. He knows our gifts, and He knows our weakness. He has been working with Peter for three years. He has heard seen his self-confidence, his bravado. He has known me…