Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Mark 15:16-20

Mark 15:16-20 

  Jesus endured this all because he loves you, and Jesus thinks you are worth it.  
  So many things in this world will try and affix labels to you, will tell you that you don't measure up in one way or another.  We're constantly measuring ourselves -- think about the way you feel when you drive through a neighborhood with 5,000 square foot homes that are worth millions.  You probably feel inferior.  Maybe you judge them, because you want to bring them down to your level.  Maybe you're jealous of what they have.  There are so many emotions that we grab in moments like that, when we wish we had what someone else did.  It could be financial success or beauty or stature in society.  It could be any number of things, but we feel like we are lacking.
  In all of those moments, remember that Jesus was willing to endure being beaten and mocked by soldiers so that you could be redeemed.  Jesus didn't have to endure this -- in the blink of an eye, a legion of angels could've destroyed the entire Roman army and carried Jesus away to a throne of grace surrounded by angels praising his name.
  But he stayed.  He suffered painful beatings and brutal torture.  He heard their mocking cries.
  All because of his love for you.
  Jesus thinks you're worth everything.

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