MARK 15 They heard Him speak, they watched His life and saw the things He did. All but two rejected Him and all the words He said. They did not want “This Man;” for His death the council cried. Nothing could them satisfy until they saw that Jesus had died.
Pilate heard false witnesses and heard as well; all the council had to say. He knew the reason they wanted Him dead was really just for envy. He knew Jesus innocent of charges laid – yet still his own heart was evil And he delivered Jesus to be crucified just to content the people.
Barabbas must have had fear within when he heard them call his name. He probably thought he was about to die when the soldiers for him came. But when the shackles were taken off and he was told that he was free, He probably thought, “I wonder who is the Man who would die for me?”
Simon coming into the city would wonder just what was going on. When the cross was laid on him, he would think, “I wonder what Jesus did wrong?” After that day he fades from view, as a man of history he is lost – But millions still remember he was the man, who that day bore Jesus’ cross.
Women were there, they viewed the scene, they’d followed Him for years. Jesus was the One who healed their sick and dried their many tears. In loyalty they stood right there when He was lifted on the tree – And never left until it was all done, and His tomb they were able to see.
Joseph, of Arimathea – did not agree with all those counselors. He had believed on Jesus but up until then he was a secret follower. Now coming out in the open, to the body of Jesus claim – He is remembered as one at the cross, who honored Jesus’ name.
Some obscure and others well-known, divisions were at the cross. Some believing on Him were saved, and others eternally lost. Christ’s death divides between the ones who reject, and those who truly believe.
To reject Him means God rejects you, God gives sonship to those who receive.
I’ve been to the cross by faith in Christ, and God’s grace has brought me new life. It is certainly true when I received Him there, God gave me His own light. When I read of the cross and those special people who were identified there that day, I am made to praise God for receiving me, and for placing me in His Way.
“I am reminded today, Father, of the words of Thy servant, Paul when he said, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He certainly had it right. There is absolutely nothing that would ever recommend me to Thee apart from the fact that I have been to the cross and seen His life given and His blood shed for me. I bow in gratitude and thanksgiving for such a Person as my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”