Final Insults
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, You gave Your all so that I could have all of You. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Read Mark 15:21–32
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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
“Behold the man upon a cross, / My sin upon his shoulders; / Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice / Call out among the scoffers” (Stuart Townend).
The scene appears bleak. Jesus was physically too weak to carry his cross. His final hours were accompanied by insults. All dignity had gone. The mock coronation was completed by crucifixion. The taunting charge is “The King of The Jews” (26). But why mention Alexander and Rufus if they were not believers known to Mark’s audience? Why does the reference to Jesus’ clothes hint at Psalm 22:18, words from the psalm which Jesus himself would soon cry out? The paradox is seen in the chief priests’ mockery. They have to acknowledge Jesus’ ministry, “He saved others” (31), but if he really were the King, the Messiah to save us, there is one way to prove it: “come down now from the cross” (32). Mark is not writing a doctrine of the atonement. He is portraying the core meaning of the cross by reporting what was said that morning. If Jesus were to save us, including all those surrounding him or passing by that day, he could not save himself. He could not come down from the cross. Unintentionally, the insults revealed the truth. Salvation could only come by his staying there. The temple of his body would be raised on the third day and he would replace the Temple. Jesus has done for us what we could
not do for ourselves. He died with a condemned man on his right and left. James and John had asked, “Let one of us
sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” No wonder Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” (Mark 10:37,38). This bleak scene was the moment of glory. This cup was drained alone, for us.
Apply
What aspect of the crucifixion do you think was the worst for Jesus? What part of the crucifixion grips you the most and why?
Closing prayer
Lord, You did this for me, because I could do nothing to save myself. As You bore insult for me, may I gladly bear insult for You.
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