Mark 15:24-32

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 15:24-32 slowly, imagining the sights and sounds.

The early days of his ministry were filled with healings, feedings and inclusivity, and the crowds clamored to be near him. But now when the benefits are less apparent, a crowd of a different kind gathers to mock, rob and spew hatred on him.

The same religious leaders who sulked away after failed attempts to entrap him now hurl their venomous insults with abandon as he suffers in silence. From all appearances, he is defeated.

Read Mark 15:24-32 again imagining that you are someone who was healed, forgiven or called by name to follow Jesus.

If you were one of those who experienced the power of Jesus’ love and ministry, what might you be thinking or feeling as you watch this scene unfold? Talk to Jesus about this for a moment.

As we follow Jesus there will inevitably be seasons of joy and contentment, but there will also be times when we don’t understand where he is leading or why we are feeling defeated as events unfold around us. Our confidence in confusing times comes from knowing him well enough to trust that he knows what he is doing. That kind of trust requires a dogged determination to repeatedly turn to him and surrender ourselves to him whether he leads us to take action or just to wait.

Is the current season one of joy and contentment for you or is it one of confusion?

How are you staying centered on Jesus during this season?

Is there a practice you need to adopt to remind yourself of Jesus’ presence and power during this season?

Talk all of this over with Jesus for a few minutes.

As you end this time of reflection, spend a moment or two focused on the character of Jesus. Just complete the sentence, “Jesus, you are…” over and over.

If you sensed Jesus calling you to a new spiritual practice, write it down in a place you will see throughout the day.

Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week.

Need help discovering new spiritual practices for 2021? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide.

Are you finding these meditations to be helpful? If so, please forward them to a couple of friends.