CLEAN UP
Opening Prayer
Spirit of God, help me to understand the truth of this passage today.
Read Mark 15:16–20
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
When were you swayed from the truth by the culture?Once Pilate has finished with Jesus, the soldiers have their turn. What is the big deal here for the soldiers? Crucifixions were common enough. Did they treat every criminal this way? Why are they so anti-Jesus, going to the trouble of decking Him out with the robe and the crown of thorns (17, 18)?
Did the soldiers represent a world like ours, where people often follow their leaders like sheep? Fake news enters our sphere on TV, the Internet and smartphones. The truth is often difficult to distinguish amongst the voices – and how we like to point fingers! How we love the anonymous security of being a sheep! But Jesus has sheep of a different kind, sheep who seek the truth while respecting the dignity of others. Jesus was a king, yes, but He was also a shepherd, and one prepared to lay down His life for His sheep (John 10:14–18).
To the soldiers, Jesus was yet one more criminal on a trumped-up charge. They didn’t care – to them it was just a bit of fun (19).
Apply
How do we worship our Lord in our daily lives? What can we do to seek the truth and stand up against the “fake news” of nonbelievers? How can we share the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)?
Closing prayer
Transform us, Lord, through Your Holy Spirit.
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