prophecies fulfilled – Be Still…

Mark 15:16-20 – Mocking Jesus

Read Mark 15:16-20

Don’t you just want to yell, “Stop! Enough already!” It breaks my heart to see how our King Jesus was treated in his final hours. These soldiers had no idea who they were mocking. How do you think it made Jesus feel to be taunted and paraded around in a purple robe with a crown of thorns? This is just one of the times Jesus will be mocked before he dies.

Jesus loved us that much. He endured so much for you and me. We see people in our day being bullied for one thing or another. As a child, I was called “fatty” or “four eyes.” I know how much that hurt. Today’s taunts are much more hurtful, and childhood suicide is on the rise.

Mark 12:35-37 – Whose Son?

Read Mark 12:35-37

This is an interesting little passage, didn’t you think? Nestled away between all the teachings Jesus is sharing with the people and with his disciples on his final journey toward the cross. This time, Mark tells us the message was proclaimed to the people. We have the honor to be able to hear Jesus’ teaching whether it’s to the “people” or to his closest disciples.

The crowd is delighted. I wondered about that word. Were they delighted just to be in Jesus’ presence? Perhaps they were honored that Jesus had asked them a question. Jesus wanted to know what they thought about a certain teaching of the religious leaders. A teaching about the Messiah, about Jesus himself. It’s always good to know your audience and how they understand such important matters.

2 Peter 1:12-21 – Pay Attention to Scripture

Read 2 Peter 1:12-21

Peter gets intimate with us here, reminding us of what’s important. Revealing his passion from having spent time with the Messiah himself, Peter shares a glimpse of what it must have been like. Peter knew he wouldn’t live forever and had to make sure he left his own legacy of faith for us to find.

Have you ever had an experience in life that you recall in perfect clarity and detail, as if it just happened a minute ago? Jesus’ transfiguration was like that for Peter. You can’t un-see something so magnificent. You wouldn’t want to. You only feel limited by the language we have to describe things. Seeing Jesus’ sparkling body and hearing God’s voice would certainly have rocked me to my core!