And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.
Mark 10:34
Jesus was not taken by surprise by His betrayal, trials, mocking, and crucifixion. It wasn’t some tragic misunderstanding where Jesus was the helpless victim of a hate crime. Jesus KNEW, well ahead of the events, what awaited Him in Jerusalem. He knew every part of His coming humiliation. He walked boldly to His coming death, knowing it ended in victory and life for all!
Because Jesus knew and did not run away, we too need not fear death. We can dislike the pain and the separation death brings. That is real… but temporary. Jesus never did soften the reality of His pain. He would be mocked, spat upon, whipped, and brutalized on a tortuous cross. But… after His death, three days later… the glory of resurrection and the death of death!
Because Jesus did this to bestow eternal life on all who believe, we can trust that death is now to us somewhat of a sham. Yes, it is real. But there is much more beyond it. And for the Christian, it is ALL GOOD! Death does not win. Resurrection life with Christ helps us boldly believe, following in Jesus’ steps knowing the humiliation of our bodies in death leads to eternal life and is not the final experience! Amen!
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