Day Five Mark 15:16-20
16 The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment. 17 They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. 18 Then they saluted him and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 19 And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. 20 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. – Mark 15:16-20 (NLT)
Discover
1. How many soldiers are called out to the governor’s headquarters (verse 16)?
2. What are all the things they do to mock Jesus?
3. When do the soldiers finally stop mocking Him (verse 20)?
Respond
As Jesus has walked through His arrest, trial, and now mocking and beating, do any of His accusers or deserters feel guilt for their actions? We know Peter does when he breaks down and weeps, and Matthew tells us of the deep remorse Judas feels for his. It’s easy to fall into a way of thinking when everyone else around us is taking that path. But oftentimes it’s that same path that leads us to the bitter tears and remorse of Peter and Judas. How can you avoid that path and make sure you’re on the one Jesus has for you? Spend time now asking God to help you recognize faulty groupthink. The world today can be a scary place to follow Jesus, but the Holy Spirit has been given to us to teach, remind, lead, guide, and convict. Rely on Him.
For Further Reading: Christianity Can Be the Safest Place for Truth-Seeking Intellectuals
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.