Mark 15:25-32

Jesus is Placed on the Cross

26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left.

28 [And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with transgressors."]

29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying,

"So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days,

30 come down from the cross and save yourself!"

31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself!

32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe."

Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Crucifixion of Christ and the Meaning of the Cross

Jesus did not have to suffer on the cross. He could have chosen to save himself but, in saving himself, we would remain lost and would spend an eternity separated from God.

This point reminds me of verses in Romans 6:22-23 ...

22 "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

What Christ Did

Jesus took on death and sin because he loved us so much and did not want us condemned forever. We should be extra careful not to belittle what Christ did for us on the cross.

What We Do

For our part of the covenant we only have to confess our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. If we only take that step, the sins we have committed died on the cross with Him. God is a mighty God so let's pray right now and thank Him earnestly for the unthinkable thing He did for us - not because we deserve it, but because He loves us.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Mark 15:2-5 - Easter - Jesus Stands Trial before Pilate