Excel Still More
The Excel Still More podcast is designed to help Christians excel in their faith, their relationships, and really every part of their lives. If you are interested in growth in your faith, this is the show for you. If you want to see yourself reach greater heights, achieve powerful spiritual goals, and be a better servant of Christ, we are here to help. Each episode introduces a proven principle for achieving more. Then we show how the Word of God amplifies the idea. Finally, each episode will leave you with at least one practical project so you can put these tools into action today!Thanks for joining! Live your best life in Christ, and in whatever you do: Excel Still More!
Excel Still More
Mark 15 - Daily Bible Devotional
Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com
Mark 15
Mark’s record of Christ’s crucifixion focuses heavily on the people around Him. The Jewish leaders seek to kill him. Pilate gives in to them, but he is confused about the Christ. Barabbas, an actual murderer, is released instead of Jesus. Soldiers scourge the Messiah, beat Him, mock Him, and crucify Him. Jewish onlookers relentlessly attack Him. The two criminals hurl abuse at Him. But at His death, the focus shifts to people of faith. The Centurion says, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Women of faith stay close to the body of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea requests the body and gives Him a proper burial. This sets a contrast between the sinful work of man in Christ’s death and the faith and hope that would grow from His sacrifice.
The sinful work of man is on full display during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. People get so sure of what they believe, and they let envy and pride lead them to the most heinous behavior. We must learn from their failures. We must check our hearts, pride, and intentions, to center them on honoring Christ. If not, we may end up living our lives against Him. If we trust in Him, then His life, death, and resurrection can become the anthem of our lives. So many have been changed by His sacrifice, like the Centurion and Joseph in our story. That change is possible in you. But also, in many around us, if we will share Jesus with them.
Tender Father, how painful it must have been to watch Your Son be ridiculed by those He came to save. Above all today, we pray to never be that way in Your sight. Humble and mold us to be people who appreciate His death and who seek to glorify Him because of His sacrifice. Lord God, give us a voice to proclaim the gospel message. Others are living in sin and need to see what He did and learn to love Him for it. Will you reveal those people to us today and give us the courage to speak His name?
Thought Questions:
- Pilate is a tragic character. He was conflicted about Jesus, but he ultimately relented. How does your faith show more resolve than Pilate?
- Jesus’ death changed people, like the criminal and the Centurion. Do you think His self-sacrifice still has the power to do that today?
- The women and Joseph were faithful even at personal risk. How does your life prove that you serve Jesus no matter what cost is required?