The crucifixion presented a problem for early Christians. They believed that Jesus died and rose and saved people from their sin. But how would one explain Jesus' death? How could a man who suffered the worst type of death that the Romans could inflict be a Savior? One person's suffering and death would suggest that the man was wicked.

The Gospel of Mark tells the story of the wonderful deeds that Jesus did. He was not "performing" stunts. He was restoring lives. He restored order in the lives of those caught in demon possession, sickness, and the results of their sin. The crowds were there for most of the story. They stayed as long as Jesus was an interesting side show and as long as he fed them. The Pharisees (lay leaders) were troubled by Jesus' attitude toward their interpretation of God's law. They did not approve of the way He forgave sins of others, which only God could do. The scribes and Chief Priests (religious leaders) would see Jesus as a threat to the nation and deliver Him over to death. The disciples seemed clueless about what He was really doing, and they all ran off in the garden.

Truth be told: Jesus came to die! He came to suffer what the Father in His wrath would pour out on us for the rebelliousness and wickedness in all of us by nature. He came to grace us with His presence and His forgiveness. He took our place. It is as simple and complicated as that. Jesus was abandoned by everyone in order to save us. It was God's eternal plan. That is Mark's story, his explanation. No human got it. Mark tells us that even the women who saw the empty tomb and heard the angel said nothing, because they were afraid. Only the Holy Spirit could open the heart to believe. Just tell it!

Mark is moved by the Holy Spirit to teach us that Jesus knew exactly what He was about, and we can infer that He still does. Many did tell. Hearts were turned around. Eternal life was given to all who were touched by the Spirit. That includes us. Our doubts and fears do not keep us from His love. Our hopes and dreams all receive their fulfillment in Him. May we find ways to tell of His eternal love for every human being.

Jesus lives! The victory's won! We too shall live eternally!

In Christ our Lord and Savior,
Pastor Thomas Trapp