Consequences

Today's Lenten Study is Mark 15:21-32. This is the passage that depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As Jesus was hanging on the cross, people took turns to mock and ridicule Him.

The question for reflection is "Why didn't Jesus come down from the cross?"

Why didn't Jesus come down from the cross? Because it would have undone everything He had been sent to do. By coming down from the cross to show the world who He really was, He would have undone everything He had been preaching and working for. Everyone would see that He was indeed the Son of God, but everyone would perish in their sin. The entire salvific plan of God would have been undone with that one act.

And that's the thing about actions and consequences. There are some actions that have such devastating consequences that it undoes everything we stand for and everything we care for. We are all sinners and we all mess up, but there are different levels of consequences.

And another thing about actions and consequences are that they are both irreversible. Once done, there is nothing you can do to undo them.

It is the wise person who heeds God's word, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27).

And that's what Jesus was doing by staying on the cross. He did it for the sake of the cross and the gospel message, and He did it for us.