Today’s scripture: Mark 15:16-20 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
The other day daughter number two and I were out picking black raspberries. We were working hard and chatting endlessly about a bit of everything. In the midst of our chatter daughter number two said, “I sure feel sorry for God’s son!”
I was dumbstruck for a moment. We hadn’t been talking religion. I found myself a bit mystified by her comment. I asked what she meant by feeling bad for God’s son and why had it come to her while we were picking raspberries and talking about her friends and summer school?
She gave me that “mom-you-are-so-dense” look and then proceeded to remind me that we were picking berries in the thorn bushes. She said, “Didn’t God’s son have to wear a crown of thorns? That sure must have been painful. I know I am getting stuck all over the place and it feels horrible.”
I was taken aback by her literal comment. I so often live in the world of allegory and story. She reminded me, as does the scripture today, that Jesus’ pain seems very real. That being humiliated has to be one of the worst experiences of this human existence! Her comments made me want to believe again in the “real” part of the story.
Thought for the day: How can I cultivate a real relationship with a “real” Jesus?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.