What are you going to do about Jesus?

Please read Mark 15:21-47 NIV 

This is Mark’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus.  It is a longer passage, so I did not type it all out, but Easter is approaching, and I am trying to think about it more than just that weekend like I usually do.  The older I get the more a realize what a miracle the bible is. 

The following are thoughts about those Mark wrote about. 

Simon of Cyrene

Simon of Cyrene has always made me think about how this must have looked.  He was an ordinary man.  On this particular day he happened to be passing by.  He was forced to carry the cross for Jesus, who had already been severely beaten.  I used to think Jesus must have been a superhero, like Superman.  Surely, He was still strong to carry His own cross. 

Now, I think differently.  He had to be near the end of His physical, human strength.  He was fully God and fully human, so He had divine ability but human frailty.  He could have called legions of angels, but He didn’t.  He knew what Gods will for Him was and He was willing, but that portion of the trinity also made Him human.  He had limits physically just like we do.   

In my mind this looks like Simon and Jesus very close to each other.  The cross was heavy so Simon may have also been struggling.  What I picture is Jesus close to him trying to give help and also to give Simon encouragement.  Maybe Jesus was whispering to him.  “You can do it”, “Almost there”, “Simon, I love you”.  I imagine sweat and blood and dirt and just like us when we help someone do anything hard, their goal was clear, just two men fully committed to the task.  In my mind it would look like most of us going through tough times, with Jesus walking right beside us, whispering how much He loves us. 

The wine mixed with myrrh

They offered Him something to dull the pain.  Crucifixion is one of the cruelest ways to die, that is why they used it.  In spite of this they offered Him something to dull His pain.  He refused.  I read in a few places the theory that Jesus wanted to fulfill His purpose with a clear mind.  If He was numb, He would not have felt the weight and pain from all that sin.  I think refusing to take it allowed Him not to just die for you and I in general, but to die with you and I, specifically, on His still clear mind.

People numb their pain today in a variety of ways.  Alcohol, drugs, relationships, work, hobbies, and many other pursuits can do the same thing as myrrh – dull your senses.  Sometimes leaving our mind clear would be better, even if it hurts.

Joseph of Arimathea

I remember thinking this was just some good-hearted man who wanted to do something for Jesus.  Noble.  But this man was a member of the Sanhedrin.  In fact, he was a prominent member of the council, the very group that had just rejected Jesus and condemned Him to die.  But this bible tells us that Joseph disagreed with the council (Luke 23:50-51).  It was a bold act.  The bible does not tell us any more about him or how this action affected his status, but apparently he decided to act in a manner that honored Jesus in spite of the belief of his counterparts. 

The Centurian

This man witnessed it all, from the first time that Simon and Jesus came into view carrying that cross, all the way up to verse 15:37-39 when “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last.  At this, he simply said ‘Surely, this man is the Son of God!’”  I am no scholar, but that Centurian may have accepted Christ at the foot of the cross.  Jesus doesn’t waste one thing, even suffering. 

The curtain

As a kid, our church had long velvet curtains that concealed the baptistry.  I was always fascinated by those curtains.  I remember thinking about how odd it seemed to tear them.  Why did God tear the curtain (v 38)?  Jesus accomplished what He came to do.  Jesus made it possible for people to come into God’s presence.  Prior to that, common people were not allowed behind that curtain.  After that, anyone could approach God. 

Like Simon of Cyrene, have you ever found yourself thrust into a situation such as a friend or stranger in need?  It could be a person on the side of the road.  It could be your neighbor.  Do you feel forced or willing?

Would you be as bold as Joseph of Arimathea to go against your own primary group, whether at church, at work or with friends?

Challenge: We cannot be saved without the grace Jesus offers us.  Grace is available to all who accept it, so every person on earth played a part in that crucifixion.  It would not have been needed if not.  The question is, what are you going to do about Jesus?