The Gospel of Mark: Soldiers Mock Jesus

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. ~ Mark 15:16-20




To the average Roman soldier, the idea of a King of the Jews indeed seemed laughable.


But to everyone at this point, Jesus as King seemed laughable.


No one understood it. Not the disciples. Not the crowds. Not the Jewish leaders. Not Pilate.


And sometimes maybe we don't either.


All of us - disciples, crowds, Christians - we all have an idea of what a king looks like.


A king is rich. Not born to a family of carpenters.


A king lives in a palace, he isn't born in a stable.


A king is powerful, not humble.


A king is willing to be a warrior, not willing to lay down his own life.


A king tells people what to do. He doesn't serve himself.


No wonder the soldiers laughed.


No wonder no one understood.



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:


What kind of leader would Jesus be today? Where would he be showing up to lead?

 

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