The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor's headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment. They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. Then they saluted him and taunted, "Hail! King of the Jews!" And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship.
—Mark 15:16-19 NLT
The purpose of crucifixion wasn't just to kill a criminal. It was also to serve as a deterrent to crime by utterly humiliating the person who was to be crucified. So once Pilate signaled that Jesus would be crucified, the humiliation began in earnest. Not only would Jesus be killed on a cross; he would be humiliated every step of the way. He had warned his closest followers that this would happen. He knew what was coming. He faced it because it was God's will and the basis of our salvation. How can we not be willing to face embarrassment, ridicule, and even persecution for him?
O Father, help me to never be ashamed of Jesus. After what he endured for me, I want to faithfully stand by him and to courageously stand up for him. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and with genuine courage to honor you and your Son, no matter the cost. In Jesus' name, I ask this. 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 15:16-19 NLT
Key Thought
The purpose of crucifixion wasn't just to kill a criminal. It was also to serve as a deterrent to crime by utterly humiliating the person who was to be crucified. So once Pilate signaled that Jesus would be crucified, the humiliation began in earnest. Not only would Jesus be killed on a cross; he would be humiliated every step of the way. He had warned his closest followers that this would happen. He knew what was coming. He faced it because it was God's will and the basis of our salvation. How can we not be willing to face embarrassment, ridicule, and even persecution for him?
Today's Prayer
O Father, help me to never be ashamed of Jesus. After what he endured for me, I want to faithfully stand by him and to courageously stand up for him. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and with genuine courage to honor you and your Son, no matter the cost. In Jesus' name, I ask this. 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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