Dwell in the Word Mark 15:16-32
Think on these questions as you dwell in Mark 15:16-32:
1. Reflecting on the mockery and insults Jesus endured on the cross, how does this vividly illustrate his unwavering commitment to fulfill his redemptive mission? What does this reveal about the depth of Jesus' love for humanity, even in the face of extreme humiliation?
2. The crowd's taunts and challenges to Jesus, such as "save yourself," echo moments from his ministry when he performed miracles. How does this contrast highlight the purpose of Jesus' crucifixion? How does it emphasize the profound nature of his sacrifice for our sins?
3. This passage underscores the all-encompassing forgiveness offered by Jesus, even to those who actively mocked and rejected him. How does this aspect of Jesus' character challenge and inspire us in our own interactions with those who may oppose or misunderstand our faith? How can we extend Christ-like forgiveness to others, even in difficult circumstances?
Transcript:
As we look at this part of the story of the crucifixion, it's really a difficult thing to read because Jesus is mocked in every possible way. They make fun of him for allegedly being the King of the Jews. They mock him, they strip him. They do all kinds of things. They heap insults upon him, and then they use his own words against him. Jesus is saying things when he is teaching about the temple and rebuilding it in three days, and they say, You're going to rebuild the temple? We'll come down off the cross. They're saying things like, He saved others. Let him save himself. And Jesus takes it. Jesus had the power to step away from the cross. Jesus had the power to come down from the cross, but He stayed there, even amidst the mocking, even amidst those things that were being said that were just absolutely terrible. He stayed on the cross. And it's interesting enough to think about that really, he stayed there for those type of mocking statements. We don't know what the eternal destiny was of those who were making these statements. Some of them may have come to faith later on when they heard that Jesus had risen from the dead, or maybe they witnessed it themselves.
And so, Jesus was dying for those very sins of mockery and blasphemy that were being uttered that day because Jesus was the Christ. Jesus is God in human flesh. To mock him and what he said he would do is blasphemy. And so, as we think about this, it is important to remember that this is showing us many things. It's showing us the love of Jesus, but it's also showing us the very depth of what he was doing. He was dying for the sin that was being committed against him, because you and I, at some point in their lives. And whether it is in word or indeed, we have ultimately mocked Jesus because we have looked at what he has done for us, and we have looked away from it. We have rejected it in some capacity. Now, by God's grace, we have been offered forgiveness. But Jesus died for all of those sins. And this story here is a powerful one because you and I could have easily been in the crowd. We could have easily been the ones who were going along with what was being said and mocked Jesus as he was walking by.
We could have easily been the disciples who denied who he was, who ran away when things got bad. But Jesus stayed on the cross for those very things. His disciples were forgiven. Peter is restored. And we see that this is what Jesus does. Jesus offers forgiveness. He brings restoration, even for the ones who are so heinously mocking him. And so may we remember the depth of Christ's mercy. May we remember his love. As we think about this story, as we continue tomorrow into the death of Jesus. May we have this on our mind that we might be thinking deeply about who Jesus is and what he has done for us, and may it direct us today.
