Grow Through The Gospels - Mark 15

Read: Mark 15

Mark 15: 29-32 “Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!’ In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.’ Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”

Think

The people wandering by the cross and jeering at Jesus demanded, "Give us another sign. Come on, jump off that cross, and we will believe!" But would they have truly believed? That’s a trick question because the answer is both yes and no.

If Jesus had come down from the cross and overpowered the soldiers, they might have believed in a powerful hero, but not in the Jesus of the Bible. They would have believed in a figure who defeats Romans and establishes a kingdom, not in the Savior who came to save sinners. Their demands for a sign were merely a cover for their unbelief. This is evident when we recall how they reacted to the raising of Lazarus. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, some believed, but many ran to the Pharisees who then plotted to kill Jesus. Even the greatest miracle didn’t change their hardened hearts.

Signs and wonders aren’t inherently bad. The Book of Acts records many miracles by the apostles, leading people to faith. But the chief priests were envious of Jesus because he was gaining followers and praise, threatening their power. Their love for human praise blinded them to the true sign of Jesus’s love on the cross.

John 5:43 says, “I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” The root issue was their love for the praise of men over the praise of God. And the Jewish people wanted a hero king, they didn’t want a king who sacrificed himself.

When you seek human accolades, you are blind to Jesus. He didn’t come down from the cross because he prioritized our salvation over receiving earthly praise. His love and sacrifice were the ultimate signs, but they were only visible to those willing to see the signs.

Apply

Take some quiet time to pray and journal about your motivations. Are you seeking validation from people or from God? Write down specific instances where you prioritized human praise over God's approval.

Pray

Jesus, help me to see past my desire for human praise and to seek your glory above all else. Examine my heart and reveal any areas where I am prioritizing the approval of others over my relationship with you. Strengthen my faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.