After being betrayed by one of His disciples, Jesus was arrested and put on trial. His crime? Claiming to be the Son of God. He was tried first by the high priest, who wanted Jesus to defend Himself against His accusers. But Jesus stayed silent.
Meanwhile, Peter hovered around, waiting to see what would happen. Afraid for his own life, and not wanting to be connected to Jesus, Peter repeatedly denied knowing Him.
When Jesus was tried before Pilate, He was again pressed to defend Himself, but to no effect. Then there were the soldiers who mocked and humiliated Jesus. Can’t you just picture them, egging each other on and casting lots for His clothing? And even still, Jesus refused to go on the defense (vv.16–20).
At the end of His life, in excruciating pain, Jesus cried out to His Father (Mark 15:37). A centurion saw the way Jesus died, and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (v.39). For those who still doubted, perhaps the darkened sky and torn curtain within the temple forced them to look again (vv.33, 37).
Jesus was a real man who walked this earth. His rejection was real. He felt the pain of separation from God the Father. He took on our shame and punishment so we don’t have to carry it anymore. And He did this with meekness and humility, surrendering His earthly reputation for His eternal purpose (Hebrews 12:2).
In revisiting Jesus’s death, we can learn a lot about how we ought to live. I’m reminded that becoming more like Jesus isn’t about being impressive, attractive, popular, or rich. We don’t have to be loud, boastful, or universally liked. Our Savior sure wasn’t. Scripture says it was envy that made the chief priests hate Jesus; they were jealous of His power and influence (v.10). Pilate listened to them because he longed to please the crowd and protect his own image and position before Rome.
So often we’re like those priests, the soldiers, Peter, and Pilate; we seek to protect our image and reputation at the expense of boldly knowing Jesus. Living this way is in direct opposition to the message and power of the cross.
Jesus, help us let go of worrying about how we’re perceived by others. Give us a hunger to know You and the power of Your resurrection. Help us reject what this world deems important and teach us to follow humbly after Your example instead.
Peter says he doesn’t know Jesus but Jesus knows himself and his purpose perfectly. In Mark’s account, the only questions he is recorded as answering are the ones asking if he is the Messiah/King of the Jews. (Mk 14:60-62 & 15:2-5) He doesn’t answer the earth focused questions.
I process my life by talking! A lot. What would my witness become if I was silent more often? Not about Jesus but about defending myself in the eyes of earth focused people? Not to justify, explain, excuse … What if I just got about the work of the Father like my Saviour and only worried about the answer to the important question of who Jesus is? “Truly, this is the Son of God!” (Mk 15:39)
Mark 15:15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas.
I can be so self-focused like Pilate. I am in awe of God’s great LOVE that even still God had Jesus suffer to save us. All praise to Him❤️
Oh, Dear, Rebecca! You are loved with an everlasting love! Jesus paid it all. You do not need to add to your salvation by fasting. Jesus endured the shame and suffering of the cross to redeem those the Father gave him. You are his JOY! We are his JOY!
Heidi, I feel exactly the same way. Thank you for saying this.
Great song to listen to today:
https://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/song/the-power-of-the-cross/
“Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death,
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
This, the power of the cross:
Son of God, slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.” ❤️
DONNA HEDGER, right on!
Incredibly moving. I would stop to cry as I read what led up to his crucifixion. He is near.
Romans 8:1-4
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. What the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, GOD did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
❤️
Rebecca Leek, receive His grace and love today. You took a step of faith in fasting and that is pleasing to your Savior. Please don’t be discouraged or ashamed that you didn’t go all 24 hours. Your heart was seeking Him. And you were wanting to honor your family as well – God sees and He knows the intentions of your heart. I pray that you sense His pleasure over you today. It truly is Good Friday!