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Reflective Bible Study.

Worshiping Like Soldiers: Mark 15:16-20

Listen to this episode and/or subscribe on ReflectiveBibleStudy.com...Year in Mark – Episode 43: When we look a little closer at how Mark describes the soldiers mocking and beating Jesus prior to Jesus’ crucifixion, discover how the soldiers’ actions may be not too different from something Satan would like us to do when we come and worship God! Read the transcript: As we continue in Mark’s gospel, we come to Jesus’ last stop before He carries the cross out to be crucified. While this may be among the most graphic parts of the gospels, within the cruelty of this event we discover a powerful truth that is easy to miss or ignore. While it is unlikely that any of us would intentionally act like the soldiers in this passage towards Jesus today, something we might do today might actually treat Jesus like these soldiers treated Him, even if we don’t realize it. Let’s read this passage and discover a subtle trap Satan would love for us to fall into. Our passage is found in Mark’s gospel, chapter 15, and we will read from the New International Version of the Bible. Starting in verse 16, Mark tells us that: 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. As I read this passage, did anything stand out in your mind that you could see yourself doing to Jesus, even unintentionally, that is similar to what these soldiers did? If you’re at all like me, nothing on the surface in this description would be anything like I would do. I wouldn’t