Mark 15 -- What A Way To Finish!

"Pilate knew that the Jewish leaders were not interested in seeing justice done; what they really wanted was vengeance ... He wanted to avoid a riot ... He didn't ask, 'Is it right?'  Instead, he asked, 'Is it safe?  Is it popular?'"

On the other side was Christ, beaten, mocked, spat upon, and whipped.  "Our Lord quietly suffered and did not fight back, a lesson that Mark's readers would need to learn as they faced official persecution ... The Servant would die for the sins of the very people who were crucifying Him."  And when it was over, Jesus would say to the Father, "I have finished the work which You gave me to do (John 17:4)."  "It would be wonderful if all of us could give that same kind of report when we get to the end of life's journey.  To know that we have accomplished His work and glorified His name would certainly make us look back with thanksgiving and ahead with excitement and anticipation," my commentary said.

Father, I wish I had the faith to act as Jesus did, knowing that He was fully in Your will and knowing that He would soon be back with You, having completed fully His mission on this world.  Build my faith and my resolve.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford