Mark 15:21-23
Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.
Read Mark 15:21-23 imagining that you are an observer on the road watching the events unfold.
In the garden, Jesus committed his will to his Father and now he will stay the course. He has picked up his cross as everyone who follows after him will need to do.
Jesus has remained in the hands of God throughout this ordeal, and even when physical exhaustion overcomes him he does not resort to the miraculous. Rather he submits to the aid given him by an unwilling passerby.
And when he is given the opportunity to dull the pain, he refuses. He fully gives himself over to this outrageous act of mercy and love for all people – including the ones who inflict the pain.
Read Mark 15:21-23 again imagining the various feelings Jesus must have had during this march to his execution.
Take a moment or two and name the emotions or feelings you imagined – speak them out loud to Jesus. Then take a moment to consider this question: Have you ever experienced any of these emotions to one degree or another? Talk to Jesus about this.
How does it make you feel to know that the Jesus experienced the same emotions as you but to an even greater degree?
Whenever we face humiliation, sadness, exhaustion or a myriad of other difficult emotions, Jesus understands. He walked the road to the cross as a human for our sakes.
Take a few moments to talk with Jesus about anything you are thinking or feeling right now.
End your time of reflection by thanking Jesus for whatever comes to mind. If you have sensed Jesus prompting you toward an action, write it down and take a first step today.
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