The story of Jesus and what is happening to Him is building in tension, even as it seems to be falling apart at the seams for those who follow Him. The text for this devotional is Mark 15:16-47, please read it before watching the video below.
There is so much going on in the scene of Jesus’ death - so much injustice, so much hatred, so much pain, so much suffering, so much anguish, so much blood. And I am sure that what we read is still a fairly “sanitary” version of what an actual crucifixion would be like. For further reflection, think through these questions:
Of all the physical, mental, emotional & spiritual suffering, what pieces affect you most today as you think about them? Are there ways that you can identify with any of those parts of Jesus’ suffering?
Now think about the why - why did Jesus have to suffer these things? The suffering we experience is a result of sin and even in the injustice of some of our suffering, we can recognize that we ourselves are sinful people. Jesus suffered and yet in Him there was not ANY sin!
Are you willing to admit that you have sin, and it was your sin that put Jesus on the cross?
Why is it important that Pilate and the women are specifically stated by Mark to have verified Jesus’ death and where He was buried?
How do you reconcile the word “death” with the word “eternal”. Peter would later say “you killed the Author of life” (Acts 3:15) - how do you reconcile taking the life of the One who gave life? Again, what does this say about who God is?
In prayer today you have the ready made opportunity to confess your sinfulness and your great need for a Savior. Are you willing to humble yourself and admit your great need? To do so is to bring the highest glory to the One who created you. Perhaps in light of the tremendous suffering of Jesus Christ it is appropriate to have a moment of complete silence as you reflect on the passion of the Christ.