The Gospel of Mark: The Crucifixion of Jesus

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him. ~ Mark 15:21-32


Not too far back, James and John asked if they could be at Jesus' left and right hand in his glory.

Jesus' reply to them was that they didn't know what they were asking.

They didn't know what it would mean to actually be at Jesus right and left in his glory.

That it meant being two criminals crucified and dying along side him.

And even these criminals - on his right and on his left - taunt him at his death.

What kind of glory is it that Jesus shows us?


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen



Engagement Questions:


We often sing hymns about the glory of God and the glory of Jesus. What is it we are really singing about? Do we still mix up what Jesus means by glory?

 

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