I was reading this morning about what Jesus went through just before His crucifixion. Mark 15 describes that after he was flogged by the Roman soldiers they, “put a purple robe on him…twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. Then mocked Him shouting, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Mark 15:18 NIV).
Not satisfied with verbal abuse the soldiers, “Again and again struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.” (vs. 19-20)
As I read these words the thought came to me, “Man, I’d hate to be those soldiers when Jesus comes again.” I remembered the words of the Apostle John when he said, “everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him.” (Revelation 1:7 NLT). Imagine the terror those soldiers will feel on that day
I’m just glad I wasn’t the one who pressed that crown of thorns into his brow, or struck his head, or spat on his face. I’m so glad I didn’t put that cross on His back or drive the nails through His hands and feet.
But wait a minute. Maybe I’m not getting off the hook so easily. After all Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matthew 25:40 NLT)
When I strike out with angry words against another, I strike Christ. If I call another “stupid” or “idiot”, I mock the Son of God. And when I fail to feed the hungry, help the stranger, give water to thirsty, clothe the naked, or visit the sick and in prison, I neglect the King of kings and Lord of lords.
How would you treat Jesus if He was here today? Well, I’ve got news for you – He is! He’s there in everyone you meet. As you interact with others today, ask God to open your eyes to see Jesus in “the least of these”. Ask Him to help you treat them like you would like to be treated, with love, compassion and kindness.
If we do this, then we need not fear the day of His coming or, like those soldiers, tremble at His appearing. Instead, we will rejoice as we hear Him say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34 NLT).