THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:25-32
“‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself!'” (Mark 15:31)
The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘The Lord Saves’.
As the Messiah, Jesus came to save humanity from the curse of sin and death.
Many people were saved from difficulty (sickness, demons, death).
This is what He was being mocked about – why didn’t He help Himself?
But this mockery is turned on it’s head when we realize what He is doing.
He IS saving others by refusing to save Himself.
He is winning against the curse by refusing to play Satan’s game.
His refusal to sin, His refusal to compromise on obedience to God – is what is putting Him there.
And this is what makes Him God’s messiah, the right kind of human (Adam) to rule this world.
Because He does not sin, the curse of death has no hold on Him, and He will overcome.
This does not make the misery of what happens less painful, but He refuses to let go.
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Though these were His brothers and sisters mocking Him, He holds on for the joy of their rescue.
Love keeps Him there, not self-love but love for God and for people – including these tormentors.
Man of sorrows! What a name, for the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim! Alleluia! What a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned he stood;
Sealed my pardon with his blood: Alleluia! What a Savior! (Philip Bliss)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may Your strength of love which kept You on the cross through this torment, strengthen me to stay true to You when I feel the pressure to conform or compromise. I need Your help, my Saviour!