Sunday, March 12, 2023

The Suffering Messiah - Part III

JESUS CRUCIFIED  (He suffered for me - personally!  He suffered for you - personally!!)

Mark 15:15-20
Why all the abuse?  Ridicule? Mockery? Motive?

Sanhedrin - "out of envy" - Jesus = threat to their authority, status, position, comfortable lifestyle

Crowd - wanted Barabbas freed - didn't care about Jesus.  His death = mans to an end (goal of getting their leader released)

Pilate - political expediency, protect his career, keep good standing with Rome AND Jewish leadership.  Could be a riot, etc.

BUT --- these Soldiers???
On one hand were charged with the task of execution (by crucifixion)
However, why the ridicule? mockery? Making sport of Jesus?

Could be (1)  (Roman) soldier humor - (calloused/hard) (trained to be merciless, without compassion)

               (2)  Was part of their culture - example the Roman Games!  Estimated that in the Colosseum at Rome over 500,000 died during the Games.

              (3)  Expressing feelings of superiority - compare to Nazi Germany - Romans considered themselves the best.

             (4)  were stationed among a people who despise them and treat them as 'unclean'... This = opportunity for PAYBACK!!  In other words, unleashing hatred of Jews ... onto Jesus!!

Whatever the reasons ... the Biblical answer to 'Why the Abuse' boils down to ...

THE FALLEN STATE OF MAN

(1)  Adam and Eve sinned  (chose to disobey God)
Therefore,
(2)  they fell from state of righteousness/innocence
(3)  We've inherited those sinful tendencies
and, (4) we've Acted on those sinful tendencies (from time to time)

And... we are incapable of correcting the problem!!
So..... God's Christ has come to fix it!!  Rom. 5:18-19

What Jesus is experiencing is Exactly what He came to address and remedy!!!  (through His death)

Mark 15:22-32
Even with 'mission accomplished" they continued to mock, ridicule!!

NOTE:  Not all Jews, Roman, soldiers, people = so calloused... But... ALL mankind is in a FALLEN STATE therefore, ALL come short - Rom. 3:23

Jesus (here) is doing exactly what He came to do.  (completing His mission, fulfilling His role, God's work)
The Result being - they and you CAN be redeemed!!  (repaired!)

This = the Gospel = Here's how it works:

IF you accept Jesus as your SAVIOR (substitute sacrifice)
THEN you can experience forgiveness, reconciliation, assurance of heaven

You also receive:  A NEW BIRTH - "born again"
                           A NEW NAME - ie new designation/title - "Saint" , child of God
                           A NEW NATURE  - 2 Cor. 5:17 "new creation"

Problem = old nature still with you!!
hence ---- A saint who sins
                 A child but often a disobedient child

OBSERVATIONS

(1)  All sin and come short of what we should be

(2)  You can't fix this  (individual, community, government, education, etc.)

(3)  Christ can IF you surrender to Him as Substitute Sacrifice (and Lord)

(4)  This does NOT result in a sinless lifestyle!!
It = proper standing, assurance of heaven

(5)  Those who reject Christ will have to build their own bridge

(6)  Building your own bridge is a futile endeavor!!  Can't be done.  John 14:6

This = The Gospel!!

Good news for those who accept Christ - Rom. 8:1

(bad news for those who do not)

2 more players ot consider today:

I)  SIMON OF CYRENE - Mark 15:21
Who = Simon?  Alexander and Rufus?
Test suggest ... Mark's readers knew them!
Tradition says... Simon converted, sons became leaders in early church

(This = a 1 verse illustration of fact that...)
#1)  An unexpected (unintended/unsought) encounter with Christ CAN dramatically change your Life  

And ... the lives of your family!  for generations!!

#2.)  An encounter with Christ is not ALWAYS a pleasant event!!
Examples:  Jacob and the angel, Job with God, Moses' call

BUT ... #3.)  ANY encounter with Christ has the POTENTIAL for great blessing!! So.. if it happens... DON'T ignore it/ deny it/ take it lightly!!

II)  THE 2ND. THIEF - Mark 15:32 with Luke 23:39-43
(appears he changed his mind!!)

#1.)  it's never too late to accept Christ (until death)
So... last minute conversions CAN be Valid but... waiting = FOOLISH MOVE!!

#2)  As long as you are moved by His Holy Spirit... you are not beyond redemption.

Closing Scripture:  1 Tim. 1:15-17


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