What Jesus Did! 'Our Place of Hope' — Mark 15:22-24

Thursday, December 5, 2024

And [the soldiers] brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means "Place of the Skull"). They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.

Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece.

— Mark 15:22-24 NLT

Key Thought

The cross was a Roman tool of torture, shame, and humiliation. Jesus and his cross were taken to a hill known as the "Place of the Skull." Not only did the hill look somewhat like a skull, but it was also a place of death, mockery, and pain. In this instance, however, it was also a place of redemption, forgiveness, and hope because of Jesus. What began here in horror and inhumanity ended in victory and grace.

Today's Prayer

Holy and loving God, please help me to be humbled and touched by the cross of Christ. In addition, dear Father, help me to remember the grace, power, and victory that are mine because of that cross. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:22-24 NLT — "Place of the Skull"

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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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