King's Cross Church King's Cross Church

"Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers." English hymnwriter Stuart Townend penned that line almost thirty years ago in the modern classic How Deep the Father's Love For Us. It puts us in the shoes of mockers and scoffers as Jesus walks to his death. And it's a hymn of praise! It's not meant to crush us, but to lift us into joy - as we consider how God transforms both the humiliated and the mockers. Our society features heavy doses of both, but soul-stirring joy is rarely a part of it. If God can so transform Jesus' ultimate walk of shame, how might He do that in our lives now?

This week as we continue our series in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is handed over to Pilate. And as Pilate asks questions, the motives of everyone involved begin to surface. Not only does that reveal particular fears, but it demonstrates why so many perceived Jesus as a threat. Much like the workplace or even our romantic lives, when we become envious or fear losing control, bad things tend to follow. The inner turmoil of our fears often leads us to lash out at others, making them pay outwardly for what our fears are doing to us inwardly. It perpetuates a cycle of pain. As the old saying goes, "hurt people hurt (other) people." So what hope is there for healing? What will heal not just the outward injuries, but begin to address the inward fears as well? Let's talk about Jesus being "Handed Over to Pilate" (Mark 15:1-15).

I've always had a hard time discerning with when to speak and when to stay silent. My instincts often get it exactly backward, leaving me kicking myself later. That's probably why I'm simultaneously bothered and fascinated by Jesus on trial. If I put myself in his shoes: at the moments I would have most wanted to defend myself, Jesus is silent. And the moments I would've kept my mouth shut are when he speaks. But this is more than just street smarts. Jesus is showing us who he is by how and when he advocates. How does that help us when we feel as if we are on trial in our daily lives? Let's talk about "God on Trial" (Mark 14:53-65).

This Sunday we come to Mark's account of the arrest of Jesus. Judas betrays. Peter attacks. A man runs naked from the scene. What?! We only get that detail in Mark. I'm thankful we do. It jars me awake to hear it freshly. In hindsight, it's all too easy to dismiss Judas and Peter for missing the point, but we have the same problem. We miss the point. We lose the plot. When push comes to shove, we pull out a sword and hit back. So how might followers of Jesus increasingly find a more joyful way? Let's talk about the futility of "Arresting God?" (Mark 14:43-52).

Everyone knows what it is like to feel overwhelmed, but what about Jesus? Sometimes it is hard for us to let that thought sink in, even when we read it. This week in our series in the Gospel of Mark, we come to the account of Jesus asking for the cup to pass. But what does that mean? And how is that helpful for us when we feel like we're going under? Let's talk about the immense hope for drowning people: “Jesus Overwhelmed” (Mark 14:32-42).

Love is not an emotion as much as it is an attitude, an attitude that results in action. Jesus called us to acts of humble service for other Christians.