Mark 15:21-32

The Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus -- Mark 15:21-32: Are you prepared to die? Death is the inevitable as far as this world is concerned. Jesus was prepared to die. However, His death was much different from ours. He died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. As He stood trial before Pilate He was innocent of the charges, but He was condemned nevertheless. Jesus was mocked, mistreated, abused and misused in many horrifying ways. Crucifixion was a death reserved for the worst of criminals. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." (Galatians 3:13) Jesus was crucified outside of the city of Jerusalem at a place called Golgotha. This place was also called "a place of a skull." The person being crucified would carry their own cross. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus' cross for Him. Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus. Both of these were names of men that later were faithful in God's service. Jesus refuses to be drugged by wine mixed with myrrh. He bore our sins with His full consciousness. His pain was not deadened at all. He felt every ounce of suffering the pain of our sins. When they had crucified Him they parted His garments, casting lots for them. When they had crucified Him they wrote over Him, "The King of the Jews." When they had crucified Him they crucified two thieves with Him. This fulfilled the statement of Isaiah 53:12, "He was numbered with the transgressors." When they had crucified Him they also mocked and humiliated Him. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10) Do you love Jesus? Are you serving Him as King of Kings?