Do you ever feel everyone has turned against you? Even some of those closest to you? Jesus understands. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus after Judas’ betrayal, all of Jesus’ disciples scattered. When He was led away to stand before the high priest, Peter denied he even knew Him three times.
In Mark 15, several groups are mentioned that turned away from Him. First were the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Council (v.1). The multitude then called for Him to be crucified (v.8-11). Some of these were the very ones that had heard Jesus teach, heal, and do miracles.
The soldiers dressed him in purple, placed a crown of thorns on His head, mocked Him, beat Him, and spit on Him (v.16-20). Even “those passing by” were hurling abuse at Jesus.
The next time you feel abandoned, forsaken, or alone, remember Jesus. He understands. He’s been there.
But the hardest by far, I believe, was when His Father looked on in anguish while Jesus was on the cross crying out, “My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me?” God could have rescued Him, but if He had, we would all be lost. Our Father and our Lord Jesus love us, so very much nothing could stop them from fulfilling redemption’s story.
The next time you feel abandoned, forsaken, or alone, remember Jesus. He understands. He’s been there. Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT) says, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Bonnie Hammer
