Joyful Ruins

Mark 15:29-30

The people passing by [Jesus on the cross] shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

Every time I read these verses, I am appalled by the actions of the people. I think myself unlike them in every action and word. But…

I read this again this morning and the Holy Spirit stopped me from moving past it.

I suddenly felt and realized that not only am I capable of these actions, but I had done them recently and repeatedly.

What do the people mean by saying, “come down from the cross and save yourself”? They were doubting God’s power and sovereignty and they were asking Him for proof of His power and identity.

I must confess, though I believe in the cross, I often mock it and Christ in a similar fashion. I often seek proof in my prayers, I take the cross for granted, forgetting Christ’s power and love. I doubt and repeatedly ask God for further proof of His love, power, divinity.

When my life seems less than satisfactory, when I do not understand why things are as they are, when I can’t hear God’s voice clearly, my heart can shake its head at the cross and demand greater proof.

I am not so set apart from these mockers. The only thing that does set me apart is the blood of Christ which covers my sins in this area.

I am grateful the Spirit stopped me and showed me myself in these verses. I am saddened that people would look on Christ crucified and demand proof as though His death and resurrection were not the final proof we need for all things.

I know I am temped to do the same and I pray the Spirit would remimd me of these verses when I do, so I can see Christ for who He is and not look for further proof of His power and love.