Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Psalm 22:1-11

"Those who passed by derided Him"
(Mark 15:29)

Reflection:

To make their executions effective deterrents,
Romans crucified criminals on major roads
leading into cities. The road that led past
Jesus' cross into Jerusalem was filled with
people on their way into town for the Passover.
Many of them had been in town since Sunday
when Jesus Himself had entered Jerusalem.
Sleeping in tent cities in the surrounding area,
they walked into town along these roads each
morning, and walked back out to their
temporary housing at night.

Their first word "Aha!" says it all. It expresses
the wonder and astonishment that fill their minds.
They had been caught up in the excitement of
Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Sunday.
They had been astonished by His teachings, His
answers to the challenges of the Jewish authorities,
and His words of rebuke. They expected something
really significant was about to happen at the
Passover- but not to see Jesus hanging on a cross.

The problem was they had been judging by
appearances. Early in the week, when everything
was going Jesus' way, they were quick to sing His
praises. But as soon as they saw Jesus suffering in
His mission as Christ and King, they changed their
mind. They thought God was clearly revealing Jesus
as a fraud and an imposter- like every other false
Christ they had seen before.

As they pass by along the road they deride Jesus
and insult him. They shake their heads and turn His
words against Him. Rejecting the One they had
praised a few days before, they turn their backs and
leave Him behind as they continue along the way
into town and up towards the temple.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, forgive the times I have turned my back
to You and went my own way.
Turn me back to stand before You always.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries Lenten Devotional)