Mark 15:15-23 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified. The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" Again and again they 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. A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means "the place of the skull"). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. Sermon: Only Because of Sacrificial Love The bible scripture we just read describes the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.In this scripture reading, we witness physical and emotional pain inflicted upon Jesus. As we observe this suffering with Jesus, we can say Why and How Jesus understands our sufferings in our actual lives. Here, we observe the physical pain: This is evident throughout the scripture as Jesus is subjected to flogging, mockery, and, ultimately, crucifixion. The Roman soldiers flog Jesus and then proceed to crown him with thorns, a painful act intended to mock his purported kingship. They strike him on the head, spit on him, and force him to carry his cross. Crucifixion itself was one of the most agonizing forms of execution, involving intense physical suffering as the victim was nailed to a wooden cross and left to die slowly. The offer of wine mixed with myrrh, which Jesus refuses, is explained as an act of mercy to dull the pain, but Jesus chooses to endure the full extent of his suffering. And we know it was not just suffering, but his suffering meant so many things in our lives. We say thankfully and very humbly that Jesus understands our sufferings. We also observe the emotional pain: In addition to the physical torment, Jesus endures profound emotional pain. He is betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, handed over to the authorities, and abandoned by many of his followers. He is mocked and humiliated by the soldiers, who ridicule his claim to kingship. Jesus also experiences the weight of carrying the sins of humanity, as we believe that his crucifixion was for the atonement of our brokenness(sin). This emotional pain included humiliation, disappointment, betrayal, and sorry. Our scripture readings illustrate the interconnectedness of physical and emotional pain as Jesus endures both pain during his last moments. It serves as a very important narrative in our faith journey, emphasizing the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus for the redemption of humanity. It does not stop there; this profound pain endured by Jesus is deeply connected to Jesus' love and Forgiveness. Despite facing this crucial physical and emotional torment, Jesus willingly accepts his fate out of love for humanity and a desire for Forgiveness. Jesus's love is demonstrated through his selfless sacrifice. He willingly endures the agonizing process of pain, not out of obligation or compulsion but out of an overwhelming love for humanity. He had a chance to run away as he knew what was coming to him. However, he stayed there, and he accepted his situation humbly before God. His actions speak to a deep and unconditional love that transcends human understanding. Jesus's willingness to suffer for the sake of others exemplifies the extent of his love and compassion. Furthermore, Jesus's Forgiveness is evident throughout the passage. Despite being subjected to mockery, humiliation, and betrayal, Jesus responds with Forgiveness rather than retaliation. He forgives those who mistreat him, embodying the principle of turning the other cheek and extending grace even in the face of cruelty. People were mad because he taught people to love and forgive more, and he still showed them examples of love and Forgiveness. Later, we see the connection between pain, love, and Forgiveness through Jesus's words on the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Even as he experiences unimaginable agony, Jesus extends Forgiveness to those responsible for his suffering, embodying the ultimate expression of love and Forgiveness. Thus, the pain endured by Jesus serves as a manifestation of his boundless love and unwavering commitment to Forgiveness. It is through his suffering that Jesus demonstrates the depth of his love for humanity and the transformative power of Forgiveness, inviting all of us to experience the redemption and reconciliation offered through his sacrifice. Every day in your actual life. So please remind us that Jesus's crucifixion was not merely an act of suffering; it was a transformative act that paved the way for redemption and restoration. By willingly embracing the agony of crucifixion out of love and Forgiveness, Jesus absorbed the weight of humanity's sins, offering the possibility of reconciliation with God.As much as we prepare to celebrate Easter, let's remember this sacrificial love. Through his sacrifice, Jesus demonstrated the power to transform pain into restoration. His crucifixion became the means by which he bore the brokenness of humanity, offering healing and restoration to those burdened by brokenness and suffering. Jesus really knew that we are not perfect and all of us need him. Jesus's love transcended the depths of human pain, offering hope and redemption to all who would accept it. In this point, some of you might feel confused about my sermon today and from last week. Last week, I preached about how important it is to speak up for those who are in vulnerable situations, and today, I focus more on Jesus' endurance. For both speaking up for those vulnerable and practicing endurance, there is a very clear guideline that should be based on both acts. It is Love and Forgiveness. We do not speak up to stir up our community with anger or just curiosity. We speak up full of Love and Forgiveness. 1st Corinthian 13:3 says If I give away everything I own, and if I give over my body in order to boast, but do not have love, I receive no benefit. 1st Corinthian 13:1 says If I speak in the languages of angels, but I do not have love, I am a noisy cymbal. Whether you speak up for justice, whether you endure to fulfill God's calling for you, please make sure we are doing under Jesus' teaching that Jesus did for all of us – Love and Forgiveness. Also, as we intentionally practice this teaching, we want to make sure we stand humbly before God. During this time of endurance, Jesus did not say anything like "See how great I am?" So, we need to remind ourselves that the most dangerous moment begins with "I am a little better than you or them" Because what Jesus taught us to do – love and Forgiveness- cannot work with "I am a little better." Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection are inseparable from his mission of restoration because it was well grounded in love and Forgiveness. Through his willingness and humbleness to endure pain and suffering, Jesus paved the way for the restoration of humanity, offering new life and hope to all who would receive it. Remember that his sacrifice exemplifies the transformative power of love and Forgiveness, inviting all to experience the restoration and abundant life found in him.May you find peace and power as you try to have this power of love and Forgiveness. Amen.