https://esv.literalword.com/?q=mark+15
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 20 February 2024:
Listen to this message on Mark 15:1–15 by the late Dr. R.C. Sproul — https://www.ligonier.org/learn/sermons/mark-jesus-pilate
Mark 15:2 — And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”
Some have legal authority to lead, and others have the moral authority to lead. By law, Pilate was the ruler, but by God, Jesus is the KING of Kings, and Pilate could not deny the true leadership of Jesus. Before imparting the Great Commission to the disciples in Matthew 28, Jesus reminds them that all power and authority had been given to Him, and under that authority, the disciples were commissioned to lead the world to Him. He then reminded them that they would not lead solely on their own power. You may not have much legal authority, but you have been given the moral authority and the power to change the world one heart at a time.
Mark 15:10, 15 — For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up….
Religious envy and selfish politics condemned Jesus to death. What destructive impact have you seen from envy in your own life and in the lives of others?
Mark 15:18 — And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
The guards callously mocked and abused Jesus, the Truth. There is no limit to what the godless will be willing to do in defiance of the truth and those who proclaim it. God’s plan includes allowing His people to suffer for His glory. Whatever you are going through, remember what Christ went through on your behalf — He is not one who doesn’t understand your suffering. And remember, there is a big difference between persecution and prosecution. Too often, Christians suffer because of their own foolish behavior and then call it martyrdom in order to justify themselves. Most of our problems in life are self-induced.
Mark 15:28 (KJV) – And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
God had a plan for even the robbers to fulfill prophecy. As written in Isaiah 53:12, Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Mark 15:30-32 – “Save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.
Self-preservation is the human way; the cross is God’s way. Will you live a life focused on saving yourself or a life of sacrifice for sake of the Gospel that others might accept Christ and be saved?
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 20 February 2024: Today, focus on loving unconditionally, regardless how others might treat you. Let your love of unmerited grace bestowed upon those around you be a testimony to the grace you have received through Christ which is your salvation.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 