WHO’S MINISTERING AMONG THE DECEIVED?

Mark 15:26-30

²⁶ And the epigraph giving the reason for his crucifixion read, “The King of the Jews.” ²⁷ And along with him they crucified two robbers, one at his right and one at his left. ^{28[1] 29} And those who passed by expressed contempt for him, wagging their heads and saying, “Ha! You who were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, ³⁰ deliver yourself, and come down from that cross!”

those who passed by

To our shame, there are still people in this world who go their entire lives without hearing the name of Christ. These need to hear the gospel, and the only way they will hear it is for someone to be sent to share it.

But there is also a large number of people in every nation – even nations considered “reached” by the gospel – who go through their entire lives deceived about Jesus Christ. Like those who passed by the cross, expressing contempt for Jesus, these have been misled about him. Jesus is not going to prove himself to them by coming down from the cross. They need to hear the gospel, and to see authentic believers whose lives have been changed by it. Then they will know he is real.

LORD, use us to prove that you are who you said you are.

[1] some manuscripts add και επληρώθη η γραφη η λέγουσα, Και μετα ανόμων ελογίσθη.