What Jesus Did! 'Among the Criminals' — Mark 15:27

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
— Mark 15:27 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus came to earth and lived as one of us. He made his home among real people — he wasn't tucked away in some neat and tidy place protected from the dirt, sin, and filth of our world. So it is not surprising that when he was killed on the cross, that he was crucified between two criminals. (The Greek word translated as "revolutionaries" is robbers, bandits, or criminals in some other translations.) Jesus placed God's love where any of us, no matter how great or how small, no matter how spiritual or how vile, could find him.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, I am truly saddened that Jesus had to die among the worst of us in the most horrible of conditions and in a horrific manner. At the same time, dear Father, I am truly thankful that your love is shown so clearly and offered in a place so dreadful that none of us could ever legitimately think we could not find its grace. In Jesus' name, I praise and thank you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • John 1:10-18
  • Colossians 1:13

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:27 NLT — Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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