Daily Walk Through the New Testament

June 15

Read Mark 15:6-32

When you think of the final week of Jesus’ life and ministry, there is a unique and strange contrast at work. In one sense, it was the worst week ever. In another sense, it was without a doubt the best week ever. From the disciples’ perspective, it was the worst week ever. The man they believed to be the Messiah was ridiculed, tortured, and murdered. Their hopes and dreams were put to death right along with Jesus. It seemed like the most horrible thing imaginable had happened.
But on this side of history, we know what came after the agony of the cross. We know that even when Jesus was put to death, God’s loving rescue plan was still in motion. When He died and rose again, He paid for our sins, and salvation became possible for us! Left to ourselves, we are dead in our sins, but because of the events of that week, we can become alive in Christ! We can be forgiven, made right with God, and freed from the bondage of sin. We can receive the Holy Spirit and live a life of purpose and worship. We can share in Jesus’ triumph over the grave and look forward to our own resurrection and eternal life in heaven. From our perspective, what in history can top that? We hate that our Savior suffered, bled, and died on the cross, but at the same time, we’re so thankful for what He accomplished when He did!
How will you regularly celebrate and give thanks to God for the best week in history?