Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Mark 15:31-32a

"Also the chief priests with the scribes mocked
Him, 'He saved others; He cannot save Himself.'"
(Mark 15:31)

Reflection:

The Jewish religious leaders were not satisfied
with beating up Jesus after their illegal night trial.
And it wasn't enough for them to see Jesus bleeding,
beaten, humiliated and nailed to a cross. They want
to add to His disgrace and distress by mocking Him.

Mockery is one of the most vicious ways to lash out
at someone. They turn Jesus' own words against Him
to point out His powerlessness and to prove they were
right to reject Him. And striking deepest they make
fun of His name. The name Jesus means "the Lord
saves". They find it funny that Jesus is famous for
saving others from demons, disease and death itself-
but He's powerless to save Himself.

From the time Jesus was conceived and born in that
little town of Bethlehem, He had held back His power
as God's Son. He had displayed a little of that power
performing miracles to verify His message about God's
Kingdom, but He never used it for His own benefit. Had
He chosen to, Jesus could have floated down from the
cross and destroyed His enemies with a breath.

But Jesus was being Jesus on the cross- He was
saving us by sacrificing Himself. He was dying even for
those who made themselves His enemies- these Jewish
leaders gathered around Him to gloat and celebrate their
apparent victory. He would leave it to God His Father to
prove Him right. And He wouldn't have to wait long- just
three days. All who trust in Him will enjoy His salvation
forever.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You remained silent through the gloating
mockery of those religious leaders who opposed You.
Thank You for dying to offer them and all of us salvation.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries Lenten Devotional)