Today we read Mark 15. In verse 34, Jesus on the cross curiously exclaims, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” Quoting Psalm 22 from the Old Testament, Jesus means that, by taking all the sins of the world upon Himself on the cross, He is during those hours actually separated from God the Father. This is even more painful for Him than the physical pain of the crucifixion. Jesus did this *for you*, so that your sins will never separate *you* from the Father. Hallelujah!
Today we read Mark 14. The most important thing in this chapter is the Lord’s Supper that Jesus offers His disciples. Christians do this in church today too, as they receive the Lord’s true body in the bread and His true blood in the wine. We pray for the believers in countries who are not able to receive the Lord’s Supper because their governments do not allow freedom of religion. May the Lord someday soon make this possible!
Today we read Mark 13. A key passage in this chapter is in verses 10-11: Jesus Christ is the “stone”–a solid foundation–for those who build their lives on Him. At the same time, sadly, He is a “stumbling block” for those who reject Him…Either way, Jesus Christ is present in our lives. Praise God if *your* life is built on Jesus the stone!
Today we read Mark 12. Here we have a summary of how we should live as Christians: love the triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) with all our heart and love our neighbor (that is, all the people in our lives) as ourself. And when we fail at doing these things (which cannot be avoided because of the Original Sin in us), Jesus always forgives us. Thank you, Jesus!
