Our society rewards glitz and glamour. We live in an impatient society. Enron’s “creative” accounting practices show that companies often look for short-term profits instead of long-term health and sustainability. Employees get promoted based on image and style instead of character and substance. Movie stars get publicity because of their looks and wild lifestyle, not because of serving humankind. Politicians say and do whatever it takes to get elected and often forget to deliver on their campaign promises. Pastors are tempted to tone down their messages so they don’t offend major donors. Students cheat on exams so they can get good grades to enter prestigious universities. Jesus’s way of the cross cuts against the grain of our human thinking. As athletes know, the sacrifice in training and preparation leads to ultimate success. Let’s consider what we can learn by Christ’s example.
After the religious leaders bound and led Jesus to Pilate , he asked Christ if He was King of the Jews. By not answering his question, chief priests accused Him of many things, which amazed Pilate that Jesus made no further answer (Mark 15:1-5). When others attack your character, don’t defend yourself.
Chief priests stirred up multitude to ask for release of notorious criminal, Barabbas, instead of Jesus. When Pilate asked what evil He had done realizing their actions were motivated out of evil and what He should do with Christ, they shouted repeatedly, “Crucify Him!” Wishing to satisfy the public, Pilate released Barabbas and had Jesus scourged and delivered to be crucified (Mark 15:6-15). Politicians and even religious leaders often do focus groups to determine public opinion as a way to gain popularity instead of teaching people how to think for themselves.
The soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus, mocked Him as “King of the Jews,” beat Him with a reed and led Him away to be crucified (Mark 15:16-20). Those who think outside the box by questioning the establishment that take people out of their comfort zones are often silenced and even crucified out of envy.
They crucified Christ in the third hour with two robbers on each side of Him to fulfill Scripture, “And He was numbered with transgressors.” The soldiers divided up His garments among themselves and wrote inscription of the charge against Him, “The King of the Jews.” Those passing by hurled abuse saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” Chief priests, scribes and those crucified with Him mocked Christ saying, “He saved others? He cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” (Mark 15:21-32). Serve and communicate with humility focusing on the ultimate goal instead of spectacular results, with the hope that people notice you.
In the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken Me?” Some thought He was calling for Elijah. When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. A centurion standing in front of Him said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Some women who used to follow and minister to Jesus looked at Him from a distance including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joses and Salome, and many other women (Mark 15:33-41). Unexpected people comprehend the truth when you go against the grain of the establishment.
A prominent member of the Council, Joseph of Arimathea, gathered up courage to ask Pilate for the body of Jesus. Joseph wrapped Jesus in a linen cloth, laid Him in a tomb hewn out of rock and rolled a stone against the entrance. The two Mary’s looked on to see where He was laid (Mark 15:42-47). Your example inspires others to risk their reputation to fulfill vital roles in making the world a better place.
Human and logical thinking oppose God’s plan of the cross. We reason that being politically correct by not talking about Christ and His way of the cross will make people accept us so we can exert greater influence. It’s just the reverse. Sacrifice and not easy solutions lead to success. Focusing on long-term strategies instead of short-term, superficial gains will make our cities better places to live, both individually and corporately. As you will see in Mark 16, the cross is the only way to ultimate victory.
Answer these questions:
1. When others attack your character, do you remain silent instead of defending yourself?
2. Do you help people think for themselves instead of being concerned about popularity?
3. Do you take people out of their comfort zones thinking of their long-term welfare?
4. Do you focus on the ultimate goal instead of spectacular results hoping people will notice you?
5. Are unexpected people comprehending and following your example?
Ask God to develop your character so you can answer, yes, to these questions.
