Without Consequence

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE

Mark 15:16-20

16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

NIV

This is certainly the most horrific acts man could ever commit upon another man. It is almost unconceivable that man is capable of such cruelty, yet the record reflects this capacity lies within the human soul. These soldiers were not among the criminally insane or members of a street gang. They were disciplined Roman soldiers train in the art of battle. It does seem that in those days mankind in general was a little more barbaric then how we live today so perhaps this sort of behavior on the part of the soldiers was more the norm than the unusual, nevertheless is was cruel. God certainly sent Jesus to die for our sins, but he may not have intended for these soldiers to treat Jesus in this manner. This may well have been man acting on his own bad behavior knowing there was no consequence to pay for such evil intent. It might be a mistake for us to ignore this capacity which lies within heart of mankind, which would include ourselves. Surely we would not do that kind of evil against another, for one we have the laws of the land which prohibit such actions and being responsible citizens we abide by the law. Certainly we would never behave in such a manner against our Lord whom we loved with all our heart, our mind, our soul and our strength.  But we might be capable of thoughts against another, even hidden thoughts that no one else knows. Certainly our thoughts of feeling against another do not compare in any manner to the evil behavior of those soldiers. However, it would be good for us to be aware of what could lie within us. Surely we would never fall on our knees and pay homage to Jesus in a mocking way, but would we attend church, acting all righteous and holy, join in the worship of Jesus while holding some kind of grudge, unforgiveness, bitterness, or some other ill feelings toward another? Are we mocking our faith, when are praising God, but not liking what they did to the Sanctuary? Are we mocking Jesus when we say we love him, but we have some kind of hard feelings toward someone? The soldier could do whatever they wanted to Jesus without fear of any consequence. Can we live with any ill thoughts or feelings toward another without consequence?