The crucifixion of Jesus was more than just another death at the hands of the Romans. It was more than martyrdom. It was more than another innocent man unjustly condemned and executed. He was punished in our place, forsaken for our transgressions, and laid His life down as an atonement for our sins. Cyprian, the bishop of Carthage, said, "The Lord was forsaken, that we might not be forsaken; He was forsaken that we might be delivered from our sins and from eternal death; He was forsaken that we might show His love to us, and manifest to us His justice and His pity; that He might attract to Himself our love, in short that He might exhibit to us a pattern of patience."

The gospels tell us about the physical suffering that Jesus endured, but they also emphasize the mocking and hatred hurled at Him during the crucifixion. The religious leaders, the Roman soldiers, and the crowd all treated Jesus with contempt. They viewed Him as a joke of a Messiah. He responed with forgiveness and the result was salvation for several that day and for all who believe in Him. He endured it for us. Are you willing to endure mocking and reviling for Him?

Was Jesus the King of the Jews? He said so. Christians believe it. Others deny it. What do you say? Behold Your king. Will you give your life to this man? Will you turn away from everything else and place your faith in a King who was arrested, mocked, and tortured? This is the King of the Jews and the King of Kings. Most of the people that day rejected him as King, will you?

Jesus has been betrayed by one of the twelve. Tried by a partial judge and jury that wanted him dead. False witnesses lied about him. Unjustly condemned to die. Enduring it alone. All the rest of his disciples have fled in fear. One is nearby: Peter. He will have the opportunity to stand with Jesus. Will he? He said that he would: (Mark 14) And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.”

Jesus predicts a coming tribulation. Has it already happened? Is it still to come? Regardless of your opinion on this passage, there is much to learn and apply. Jesus didn't want us to be afraid but trust in Him. He will prepare and protect His people.

In Mark 13 Jesus speaks of a coming judgment on the temple in Jerusalem. He prepares His followers then and now with 5 admonitions: - Do not be deceived – false prophets will try to lead you astray - Do not be alarmed – calamities will happen - Do not let your guard down – be prepared for persecution - Do not be anxious – God will give you the words to say - Do not give up – Endure - God will get you to the end

Jesus gives a stern warning to not be taken in by hypocrites or to become one. A hypocrite is someone wearing a mask of Christianity but who isn't genuine. A pretender. A phony. Doing good works to be seen by others. Seeking glory for themselves and not for God. Greedy. Selfish. Manipulative. Dangerous. They will receive the greater condemnation!

Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? The answer lies ultimately in what someone believes about Jesus. Is He merely a great man and prophet or is He the Son of God? Jesus said "Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him." John wrote: "Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also." 1 John 2:22-23 In this passage, Jesus uses Psalm 110 to explain how the Messiah would be more than just a man. He could only be David's descendant and Lord if He is the God-Man. The Son of God became human so that He could save us.

The old hymn asks "What can wash away my sin?" The answer: "Nothing but the blood of Jesus!" What the Law couldn't do, God did. What the blood of bulls and goats couldn't do, God did through the blood of Jesus. We are cleansed and made perfect forever through faith in Jesus Christ!

The religious leaders try to trap Jesus again. This time the question is "What is the greatest commandment?" Jesus' answer: love the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength! God is worthy of all of our love. He is worthy of all blessing and honor and glory and power forever and ever!