Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—May 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

May 25, Mark 15

The story of the crucifixion is told in somber understatement by the gospel writers. Perhaps it was unnecessary to describe crucifixion in graphic terms to the first readers of the gospel because of their tragic familiarity with that method of execution. But the accounts of violence inflicted on Jesus in those final hours of his life leading up to his death on the cross are not sensationalized. The events themselves are sufficiently dramatic that a straightforward account conveys plenty of intensity.

I think it’s interesting to note some things Jesus did not do during the trial and crucifixion. When the chief priests were making multiple accusations against him before Pilate, Jesus answered Pilate’s direct question about whether or not he was the King of the Jews by saying, “You have said so.” But then Jesus amazed Pilate by offering no other response to the priests’ charges. That would be difficult for most of us. We want to rise to our own defense when we are accused. If the charges are false, we want to deny them. Even if they’re true, we want to explain. But Isaiah had long before predicted he wouldn’t open his mouth to the accusers, and he didn’t.

It’s also amazing that Jesus didn’t retaliate when the soldiers were mocking him. They ridiculed and abused him for sport. But Jesus didn’t call for the angel legions. He didn’t strike them blind or dead. Peter would later describe it: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten....” He also explained how Jesus was able to do this: “he continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” When we think we’re being mistreated

because of our relationship to Christ (and even when we really are), we are not enduring more than he did on our behalf. When we want to repay evil with evil, his incredible example of forbearance should instruct and restrain us.

Was the real “last temptation of Christ” in the words of the chief priests and scribes who taunted Jesus on the cross? They suggested if he was the Christ, he should come down from the cross to save himself and prove his claim to them. When the thieves on either side were joining the chorus of mockery, must it not have been tempting to pull one hand free, then the other, and pull the plug on the mission of redemption? The hard-hearted, self- righteous religious leaders had repeatedly demanded a sign, ignoring the plentiful evidence provided by the undeniable miracles done in their presence. True to their rejection to the very last, they taunted a tortured, dying man, spewing out their hatred, forgetting the dignity of their high positions. But he stayed on the cross, and died for their sins. He didn’t come down from the cross.

Truly, the things Jesus did were astounding. But it’s also amazing to think about the things he didn’t do.

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.