Crucifixion

For Thursday, March 28, 2024:

Mark 15:31 NLT: “The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. ‘He saved others,’ they scoffed, ‘but he can’t save himself!’”

A passerby named Simon was forced to carry Jesus’ cross up the hill to Golgotha, the place of the scull. Soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, and then cast lots to divide his clothes. A sign announced the charge against him. It read, “The King of the Jews.”

Succumbing to “mob mentality,” everyone passing by – the priests, teachers of religious law, friends and enemies alike – chose to hurl insults at Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself!” It’s easier to kick someone when they’re down.

Two criminals were crucified alongside Jesus, and they too mocked him. But as death drew closer, one changed his tune. He pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Today you will be with me in paradise!”

That’s a major plank in our theological platform. Believers, when your soul, your eternal essence no longer requires a body, you will be present with the Lord. Jesus said so!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Day of Crucifixion

For Wednesday, March 27, 2024:

Mark 15:17 NLT: “The soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head.”

Apparently it wasn’t enough to just crucify someone at the lowest point in their life. The soldiers had to first make fun of Jesus, to mock him. Jesus had always claimed to be “King of the Jews,” and now he’s about to be crucified. So they dressed Jesus in a purple robe, the color royalty would wear. The soldiers placed a crown on his head, but it was a crown of thorns. They flogged Jesus with a lead-tipped whip.

Then the soldiers saluted and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” They knelt down in mock worship. Jesus was struck on the head with reeds and spit upon. Eventually the soldiers grew tired of mocking Jesus. It was time to move ahead with the crucifixion.

Simon from Cyrene was recruited to carry the cross, and they proceeded to a place known as Golgotha, which means “Place of the scull.”

The soldiers nailed Jesus to his cross, and then cast lots for his clothing. All this happened before 9AM. The remainder of the saddest day in history lay ahead.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Maundy Thursday!

For Thursday, April 6, 2023:

Matthew 26:26 NLT: “As the twelve were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘Take this and eat it, for this is my body.’”

Jesus knew the hour was coming when he would fulfill his mission, dying to forgive the sins of mankind. He taught and preached and told many parables in those last days. He confronted the errant religious leaders.

This is Maundy Thursday, the night Jesus was to be betrayed. He chose to spend it with the twelve. As they ate their final meal together, Jesus passed out bread and wine, and said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” So, following his instructions, we do the same today in remembrance of our Savior. We call it Holy Communion.

That night Jesus would be betrayed by Judas, arrested, and tried before priests, elders and eventually Pilate. Pilate offered the mob a choice: Which man should he would release? When it came to Jesus, the crowd shouted, “Crucify him, crucify him!” The journey to Golgotha had begun.

Tomorrow’s Friday, but remember that Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship