Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought [Jesus] was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. "Wait!" he said. "Let's see whether Elijah comes to take him down!"
—Mark 15:35-36 NLT
From the vantage points of Jesus, the Messiah, and of the Gospel of Mark, Elijah had already come. John the Baptizer was the Elijah who was to precede the Messiah. Those in power had John murdered; now they are doing the same to Jesus. Those who are at the cross to mock the Lord Jesus misunderstand what he said. They simply turn Jesus' words into another way to mock, belittle, and humiliate him more. Little do these mockers know that what Jesus endures on the cross ends up defeating Satan and bringing life to those who will call upon him as Lord. Elijah didn't come and take Jesus down from the cross. However, God the Father did come and raise him from death in his tomb. Yet even in this moment of horror and humiliation with his crucifixion, the cross touches the heart of a hardened soldier and opens his heart to the truth about Jesus — he is the Son of God. (See Mark 15:39.)
O Father, I am saddened that it took the humiliation of the cross to break through to our hardened hearts. Yet, dear Father, thank you for paying that price. I pray that the story of Jesus will reach hearts that no other story can. Please help me to never be ashamed of the message of that cross. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 15:35-36 NLT
Key Thought
From the vantage points of Jesus, the Messiah, and of the Gospel of Mark, Elijah had already come. John the Baptizer was the Elijah who was to precede the Messiah. Those in power had John murdered; now they are doing the same to Jesus. Those who are at the cross to mock the Lord Jesus misunderstand what he said. They simply turn Jesus' words into another way to mock, belittle, and humiliate him more. Little do these mockers know that what Jesus endures on the cross ends up defeating Satan and bringing life to those who will call upon him as Lord. Elijah didn't come and take Jesus down from the cross. However, God the Father did come and raise him from death in his tomb. Yet even in this moment of horror and humiliation with his crucifixion, the cross touches the heart of a hardened soldier and opens his heart to the truth about Jesus — he is the Son of God. (See Mark 15:39.)
Today's Prayer
O Father, I am saddened that it took the humiliation of the cross to break through to our hardened hearts. Yet, dear Father, thank you for paying that price. I pray that the story of Jesus will reach hearts that no other story can. Please help me to never be ashamed of the message of that cross. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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**Prayer Request Updates!** 
**Urgent Prayers Needed:**
**Let’s also pray for:**
Ali's condition needs prayers. @PraisyJames asks we lift Ali's healing and faith in Jesus.
@GraceL needs guidance finding a new home in Charlotte.
Let's pray for a peaceful Christmas for 
Please keep Ochurn in your prayers and let’s also support Grace L in her housing search. Reflecting on the Christmas season and let’s uplift Ochurn and everyone in prayer for healing and restoration as @PraisyJames called for us to come together in prayer for Ali’s healing.
