Carrying the Cross
Opening Prayer
May my attitude be the same as Yours, Christ Jesus.
Read Mark 15: 21–32
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[21] A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. [22] They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). [23] Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. [24] And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. [25] It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. [26] The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. [27] They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] [29] 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, [30] come down from the cross and save yourself!” [31] In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! [32] Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Could you react in the same that humble way Jesus did in the face of insult and persecution?Jesus is surrounded by public insults and by private mockery from the religious leaders, yet hesays nothing. He refuses to react to the charge that as the King of the Jews he cannot savehimself because he knows that he has come to save others. He refuses to accept the offered cupof wine mixed with myrrh, as he has already taken the cup given by his Father (Mark 14:23,36).It was Simon, who had come in for the Passover from the Jewish community in North Africa,who was forced to carry the cross. Actually, this was the crossbar; the upright was already in theground. Today, Jesus asks us to carry the cross: “Whoever does not take up their cross andfollow me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38). Jesus, who has given his life for us, asks that wewill live our lives for him—even in the midst of insults, mockery and unexpected burdens. Wemay wear a cross, but we should also carry our cross. What might that mean for you?Jesus is surrounded by public insults and by private mockery from the religious leaders, yet he says nothing. He refuses to react to the charge that as the King of the Jews he cannot save himself because he knows that he has come to save others. He refuses to accept the offered cup of wine mixed with myrrh, as he has already taken the cup given by his Father (Mark 14:23,36). It was Simon, who had come in for the Passover from the Jewish community in North Africa, who was forced to carry the cross. Actually, this was the crossbar; the upright was already in the ground. Today, Jesus asks us to carry the cross: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38). Jesus, who has given his life for us, asks that we will live our lives for him—even in the midst of insults, mockery and unexpected burdens. We may wear a cross, but we should also carry our cross. What might that mean for you?
Apply
“Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you” (John Stott). Make this your prayer today too.
Closing prayer
Father in heaven, You know the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. Teach me to follow in Your ways.
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