Mark
Jesus’ last moments were spent embracing the pain of life known through the omniscience of God. I’m honestly not sure I can fathom what that sentence truly encompasses. I cannot imagine the massive amount of pain involved in being crucified. I also cannot imagine going through that act with
Mark
Jesus has power and He takes death upon Himself so others can live. With Jesus, the focus is on the other person. Jesus is a servant-leader. Jesus makes sacrifices so others can benefit. Even when we see His humanity in force – His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, for example
Mark
Jesus knew what He was talking about when on the cross He utters, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Those words are still true. Each time we choose sin over God’s ways, we don’t know the full ramifications of the choice. Jesus died because we
Mark
When walking the path God has set for us, our faith can cause us to display amazing composure in times of great trial. Jan Hus allowed himself to be burned at the stake as he attempted to work towards church reformation. Dietrich Bonhoeffer voluntarily returned to Germany under the Nazi
Mark
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. No sentence describes my frustration with humanity more than this. How many times do I devote myself to doing better today, yet by the end of the day I find myself fallen again? How many times do I know my weak
Mark
God is in control. This is such an easy concept to forget, especially when the world sets on injustice and we seem powerless to prevent it or change the course of the world. We see in the perspective of hours, days, weeks, and possibly months or rarely years. God sees
Mark
We’ll always be tempted to do what we want rather than follow God’s ways. This doesn’t mean we always choose poorly. Sometimes, with the grace of God, we do choose the right thing. That doesn’t change the fact that sin is always right there beside us,
Mark
Even when the world abandons us, God does not leave our side. The Father will never forsake us or leave us alone. He may allow us to choose to leave His embrace, but even then, He is still ready to welcome us back into His arms. We are never truly
Mark
Jesus responds as He does because of His connection to the Father. This theme has been at the surface of this story for the last few days of reading, and it will continue to be significant with every new confrontation Jesus faces. Jesus can do what He does because He
Mark
Jesus will die on the cross, saving the world as He does. This message is repeated so often some worry it might become trite, but I don’t subscribe to that view. The more often I am reminded I know peace, love, and joy because Jesus was willing to go
Mark
Submission to the Father is the only perfect path through trial and into peace. Submission to God’s will takes great strength. Submission to the Father means having the ability to deny ourselves – our needs, our wants, the lusts of our heart. Submission to the Father means letting His desires
Mark
God makes a habit of talking boldly, then demonstrates His power by following through in unfathomable ways. He does the unexpected, and He does it spectacularly. That’s why He’s God. That’s why He deserves our worship. After singing a hymn, Jesus takes His disciples away from the