Mark 15v16-19
The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 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.
Not only is Jesus condemned to death, but he is humiliated, mocked and tortured. He could have put an end to it but instead he chose this path of suffering on our behalf.
We thank you Jesus that you chose to suffer instead of us. We pray for Christians who are persecuted today, abducted, unjustly imprisoned, or killed for their faith. Help them to stay committed to you and to show love to their aggressors. Bring an end to these injustices. Amen
