THURSDAY
Mark 15:16-20 Alone but Unafraid
These Roman soldiers were merciless in their torture of Jesus. Yet Jesus had already been deserted by all his disciples when they ran from the garden in terror. One of his closest friends, Peter, denied that he ever knew Jesus. Another disciple, Judas, betrayed him. The crowds who had followed Jesus stood by and did nothing. Two influential leaders, Pilate and Herod, refused to do anything. The religious leaders, who should have been the first to recognize the Messiah, actively promoted Jesus’ death. Jesus took all of this for our sakes so that he could go to the cross and carry out the plan of salvation.
Lesson: When people don’t understand your faith, or they make fun of it, remember what Jesus went through for you and remain strong.