When [the soldiers] were finally tired of mocking [Jesus], they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
—Mark 15:20 NLT
"When [the soldiers] were finally tired of mocking [Jesus] ..." What a sad and sobering commentary. Jesus was not a person in the minds of his sadistic persecutors, but a toy for them to use to amuse themselves. Mockery, derision, and brutality were their purposes in the crucifixion journey. They did their job well and were now ready to get him to the destination of their savagery. We must never doubt Jesus' love for us. He didn't die a quick and quiet death for us. He was repeatedly abused, insulted, ridiculed, mocked, and belittled. Not only was he doing this to be our Savior, but also to be our example. He practiced what he taught — turn the other cheek, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Now he asks us to be willing to follow in his steps if it is necessary. We are called to be redemptive even in the face of abuse and scorn.
Dear Heavenly Father, please use me to be a redemptive influence wherever I find myself. Even if I find myself in hostile and unfair circumstances, please help me live up to the example of your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 15:20 NLT
Key Thought
"When [the soldiers] were finally tired of mocking [Jesus] ..." What a sad and sobering commentary. Jesus was not a person in the minds of his sadistic persecutors, but a toy for them to use to amuse themselves. Mockery, derision, and brutality were their purposes in the crucifixion journey. They did their job well and were now ready to get him to the destination of their savagery. We must never doubt Jesus' love for us. He didn't die a quick and quiet death for us. He was repeatedly abused, insulted, ridiculed, mocked, and belittled. Not only was he doing this to be our Savior, but also to be our example. He practiced what he taught — turn the other cheek, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Now he asks us to be willing to follow in his steps if it is necessary. We are called to be redemptive even in the face of abuse and scorn.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, please use me to be a redemptive influence wherever I find myself. Even if I find myself in hostile and unfair circumstances, please help me live up to the example of your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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