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"The Guards"

March 25, 2010

TEXT: Mark 15:16-19 - 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.

This part of the journey to Mount Calvary shows amazing restraint on Jesus' part. Little did His opponents realize what Jesus might have done to defend Himself. Little did they realize that not only did Jesus know who was abusing Him, but also everything else about them. Little did they realize what Jesus was enduring on their behalf. Little did they realize Jesus was preparing to die in order that they might have life.

The journey to Mount Calvary is on behalf of all who hide behind any sort of uniform to carry out their insulting and dehumanizing work-to assure them there is forgiveness. The journey to Mount Calvary is on behalf of all who are their victims-to assure them they are not alone.

These guards would be Jesus' constant companions from His arrest until His death, and even to His resurrection. They did not see any miracles, but they did see amazing compassion. They did see amazing restraint in the face of false accusation. They did see His forgiveness for the one crucified with Him. And they did see the centurion profess that "Surely this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:47b).

THE PRAYER: O Lord, bless those who are on guard duty, and those they guard. Amen.

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