 March 24, 1999
LIFE & WORK:
Crucifixion provides
direction for facing problems
___ Mark 15:22-34, 37-39
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___One of the more sobering truths in Scripture warns that a disciple is not above his/her master. Because people hated and persecuted Jesus, they also will hate and persecute us (John 15:20). The full weight of this  concept falls upon us as we understand the crucifixion event and the implications for our lives.
___ Crucified (Mark 15:22-24). The short, fast-moving narrative of Mark's gospel glosses over the painful, hideous details of crucifixion. Each point of trauma intensified just up to the point where the victim could no longer endure the agony. But each one stopped just short of giving the sufferer relief through unconsciousness. Victims often died from suffocation because they could not properly exhale.
___Jesus experienced every painful detail to its fullest. He refused wine mixed with myrrh, an anesthetic that would have dulled the pain (v. 23), although later he did receive wine mixed with vinegar for his thirst (John 19:28-30). The soldiers went about their routine (v. 24) without recognizing the significance of this particular death. Likewise, many people pass over the death of Jesus without coming to grips with its importance. Even believers walk through life without a clear understanding of what it means to be crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20).
___ Insulted (Mark 15:25-32). We admire those who exhibit grace under pressure. Jesus embodied that quality more than anyone else in history. During his most intense physical suffering, he also endured insults from the government (v. 26), travelers (vv. 29-30), religious leaders (vv. 31-32) and his fellow victims (v. 32). He responded by asking God to forgive them (Luke 23:34) and offering encouragement to the repentant (Luke 23:43). Modern "wisdom" may dictate that we fight back and claim our rights, but obedient believers follow a higher example.
___ Forsaken (Mark 15:33-34). Mark recorded only one of Jesus' seven sayings as he hung on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (v. 34). Jesus faced his final test on the cross as he felt isolated from the Father. Some have theorized that God turned his back as the full weight of sin was placed on Jesus at that moment.
___However, such an interpretation tends to champion God's holiness at the expense of his knowledge, love and presence. Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1, which begins in despair. However the psalm quickly turns to hope as it affirms an overwhelming trust in God's faithfulness. Jews often quoted one verse with an entire passage in mind. When we feel isolated and forgotten, we still can affirm our trust in the God who promised never to leave us nor forsake us.
___ Revealed (Mark 15:37-39). Cataclysmic phenomena accompanied the death of Jesus, including the tearing of the temple veil (v. 38). However, the most powerful manifestation of God's work took place in the human heart. Even a pagan Roman centurion understood that something significant had happened before his eyes. When we exercise bold discipleship in times of suffering, others can see Jesus in us.
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