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Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:

1. Read Mark 15: 29-34. What does Jesus\\u2019 Fourth Word from the cross mean to you? What does it teach you about faith? What does it teach you about commitment? What does it teach you about love?

2. The passage from Mark 15: 29-32 states that multiple people were mocking and taunting Jesus while he was hanging on the cross. Who are these people? Who do they represent? What were they saying? Can you relate with any of them? Were you in the crowd? If so, where?

3. Take a moment and reflect on your own life. Do you remember a time when you were asked or you willingly engaged in a difficult situation or a discussion that was very hurtful toward other people? What was the outcome? How did it make you feel? What did you learn from this situation?

4. Read Isaiah 53: 4-5. What is the prophet Isaiah saying about the Messiah? What does this mean for believers in Christ?

5. Read 2 Corinthians 5: 21. What did God place on His Son? What would this have looked like? Would this possibly express Jesus\\u2019 feelings of derelict or abandonment?

6. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. His death was horrendous and almost unthinkable in our eyes, yet He did this for us. Are you sharing God\\u2019s love with others? Has the sharing of His love cost you anything? Has it caused you any discomfort? Are you willing to sacrifice anything for this call?

7. Why did Jesus say, \\u201cMy God, My God, why have you forsaken me?\\u201d Do you think Jesus truly felt forsaken by God at that moment? Would God forsake his Son? Will God forsake you?

Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Almighty God, please forgive me when I find myself following the crowd that tends to cause hurt or harm to others. There is so much taunting and bullying. Keep me from the temptation to join with others in humiliating my brothers and sisters. Lord, please shine your light and love on and in my life. And, in those times when I feel forsaken, lost and abandoned, please help me to call upon your name and accept your grace, mercy and comfort. It is in your great name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.