The Greatest Choice

Scripture – Mark 15:25-32: ²⁵It was the third hour when they crucified him. ²⁶The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. ²⁷They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. ²⁹Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, ³⁰come down from the cross and save yourself!” ³¹In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! ³²Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Reflection: – Again, I’m brought back to a crucial reality in this whole scene. Jesus could have saved Himself. He could have come down from the cross. He was in control all the way through. He chose to die like this for us.

I’m tempted to give up when I encounter far less than this. A little resistance and my resolve begins to weaken. But, as I make myself look again at the cross, I’m reminded what Christ did. And He is the one I follow. In Him I find strength I don’t have within myself.

Lord, give me courage today. And give me insight to recognize the Evil One’s traps. Lead me not into temptation today, but through it.