Oct. 25 Lesson, Part 2 - Mark 15:12-15, 32

(Click on link to the right to view this Scripture passage)

In today's passage, we read the story of Pilate asking the crowd what he should do with Jesus and then the people mocking Jesus as He hung on the cross.

It's interesting that Pilate saw nothing wrong with Jesus, but the Jews (Jesus' own people) wanted Him killed. It's so easy for a mob mentality to come about. A few of the leading Jews stirred up the crowd and before long they were chanting "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!" Yet these same people walked among Jesus during His time on Earth. They heard Him teach, and as we have noted throughout the book of Mark, were constantly amazed by Him. They also saw Him perform miracles and heal many people, but instead of letting Him go, they wanted to let a known murderer go (Barabbas).

Jesus was alone.

His disciples had fled. His own people were shouting for His death. And soon, on the cross, His Father in Heaven would turn briefly aside and Jesus took on Himself the sin of humanity. It hurts to be alone.

I talked with an individual just yesterday who is alone in life right now. Facing a difficult situation and bearing the load of responsibilities by themselves. I longed for this person to know what it's like to have a Christian community to rally behind them. So often in the midst of the busyness of life or perhaps little squabbles or differences of opinion with others we forget how awesome it is to have a spiritual family. Ashley and I have been overwhelmingly blessed throughout our relationship by the body of Christ. They have blessed us with wedding gifts, baby showers, house warming, help in the midst of sickness or death, the list goes on... I'm not sure how people without a church family make it through life without this blessing.

But even in the midst of a wonderful community we can and must sometimes be (or feel) alone. Sometimes we need to be reminded of our dependency on God alone. Humans will fail, but the Lord is Almighty and always with us. What a great comfort in time of need. And we can always remember that our Lord knows what it's like to be alone - as we are reminded of this awful time in Jesus' life where He stood alone so that we would never have to.