Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

Reading From Mark 15:1-25

“The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace(that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”—Mark 15:16-20

I read recently that when I’m tempted to take offense at what someone has done to me, I must remember that whatever they have done pales in comparison to what my sins did to Jesus. The part of the story where the soldiers mock my Lord tears my heart apart every time I revisit that day as I read the Word of God. I want to run through time and defend Him. I want to push them away and tend to His wounds.

But then the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that He knew that His suffering and death had to be done. How powerful the words “it is finished.” That was the fulfillment of the Law, the penalty for the sins of the world was paid by the only one who could pay it, the blameless Lamb of God. I am so grateful. So very grateful.

“Wonderful Lord Jesus, thank You for paying the ultimate price. You took all the sins of the world upon Yourself. You did it willingly when You could have called ten thousand angels to Your rescue. You bravely committed Yourself to the will of the Father. May we do the same.”

Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”—Matthew 26:52-54