Monday, May 26 – Mark 15, Luke 23 – Additional reading: The Desire of Ages, chapters 77–80

1. Who carried Jesus’ cross? (Mark 15:21)

2. What happened to the temple veil when Jesus died? (Mark 15:38)

3. Who was Joseph of Arimathea? (Luke 23:50–52)

Today’s readings in Mark 15 and Luke 23 recount the events of Friday, Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. The four Gospels together provide a fuller picture of this most solemn day.

We are struck immediately by the injustice of the entire process. The original accusation was blasphemy: “He claims to be God because He says He is the Son of God.” However, before Pilate, the Roman governor, the accusation was altered: “He claims to be greater than Caesar and stirs up the people everywhere He goes.” Although Pilate found no fault in Him, he still condemned Him. The priests and leaders stirred up the people to ask for Barabbas’ release. Barabbas, ironically, was guilty of the very insurrection they falsely attributed to Jesus; he had murdered in an uprising and was popular with the people.

Note that Jesus remained silent before both Pilate and Herod. Herod hoped for some miracle, a spectacle to entertain him. He asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus answered none. Even in silence, Pilate could see His innocence; words were unnecessary.

“In addition to the reasons that had prompted Jesus to remain silent before the Sanhedrin and before Pilate (see on Matt. 26:63; 27:13), was the additional reason that Herod had heard and rejected the message of John the Baptist. He had rejected the light of truth God had permitted to shine upon his path, and for a soul thus hopelessly hardened in sin Jesus had no words. This silence was a severe rebuke to the haughty monarch, and, together with Jesus’ refusal to perform a miracle at his request, angered Herod and turned him against Jesus.” SDA Bible Commentary on Luke 23:9

This was not justice by law but justice by mob rule.

When the women mourned and lamented for Him, Jesus thought ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem, which would come about 40 years later. He also referred to His second coming as King of kings and Lord of lords, a day when His executioners would beg the mountains to fall on them.

“The crowd that followed the Saviour saw His weak and staggering steps, but they manifested no compassion. They taunted and reviled Him because He could not carry the heavy cross. Again the burden was laid upon Him, and again He fell fainting to the ground. His persecutors saw that it was impossible for Him to carry His burden farther. They were puzzled to find anyone who would bear the humiliating load.” – The Desire of Ages, p. 742

“At this time a stranger, Simon a Cyrenian, coming in from the country, meets the throng. He hears the taunts and ribaldry of the crowd; he hears the words contemptuously repeated, Make way for the King of the Jews! He stops in astonishment at the scene; and as he expresses his compassion, they seize him and place the cross upon his shoulders.” – DA, p. 742

Simon had heard of Jesus; his sons were believers, though he himself was not yet a disciple. But the act of carrying Christ’s cross became a blessing that changed his life. He would later take up Christ’s cross willingly, forever grateful for that providence.
“And when they came to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him.”
““That He might sanctify the people with His own blood,” Christ “suffered without the gate.” Hebrews 13:12.

“For transgression of the law of God, Adam and Eve were banished from Eden. Christ, our substitute, was to suffer without the boundaries of Jerusalem. He died outside the gate, where felons and murderers were executed. Full of significance are the words, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” Galatians 3:13.” DA, p. 741

Though He was crucified between two criminals by the design of His enemies, one of those criminals responded to the Spirit’s prompting. He recognized Jesus as innocent and divine and entrusted his life to Him. Even in indescribable agony, Jesus took the time to respond: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

It is remarkable that a condemned criminal possessed more spiritual insight and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit than many religious leaders or the crowd.

Let our hearts be filled with gratitude as we reflect on heaven’s sacrifice made in our place and for our salvation. There is hope for sinners. There is salvation for us.

May God grant you a blessed day.