Text: Mark 15: 29-47
Jesus was crucified outside the City of Jerusalem, near the highway where He was exposed the passersby who would show gestures of contempt and ridicule (v. 29). At noon, darkness, marking a divine judgement covered, the land (v.33) (Isaiah 5:30; 13: 10, 11; Joel 2:1, 2; Amos 5:20; Zeph. 1: 14, 15; Matt. 8:12, 22; 13:25:30). At 3.00 p.m, Jesus cried to His Father who had separated from Him because His wrath was being poured out on Jesus as He bore the sin of man (v. 34). For people to say that Jesus was calling Elijah was another mockery of Jesus (v.35).
It is worth to note that wise men (Joseph and Nicodemus), who had kept their allegiance to Jesus secretly, were now voluntarily and openly in charge of organizing for His burial while His disciples who openly followed Him were now hiding (vv. 42-47; John 7:50) True discipleship shows up in adversity.
Meditate on verse 43. What is God teaching you in this verse?
Almighty Father in Heaven, I pray that You build up my inner person to be faithful at all times, even when my life or welfare is threatened; that I may remain standing in the gap even as others desert; that I may run my race to the end. In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who died for me, I have prayed. Amen.