Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today’s shout-out goes to Pat & Lori Kinney from St. Paul, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Mark 15:16-20:

And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.— Mark 15:16-20

Imagine the governor’s courtyard, a legion of soldiers gathered. They strip the King of his robes—only to dress him in a cruel mockery of royalty. They crown him with thorns—pain woven into every spike. They salute him with disdainful words: “Hail, King of the Jews!” They beat him, spit on him, and kneel in fraudulent tribute.

And through it all, Jesus endures.

He stands unmoved by mockery because he came to bear our shame and absorb our scorn. Every insult hurled at him echoes the sins he carried. Every strike echoes the curse we deserved.

This is the cost of our redemption: mocked yet unmoved.

When the world mocks your faith—when Jesus’ name is taunted—remember he faced far worse for you. He was humbled, so you could be honored. He bore the blow so you could bear his name without fear.

So when you face ridicule:

• Don’t respond in anger.
• Don’t hide your faith.
• Stand unmoved.

Your confidence isn’t in your strength—it’s in his. His mockery turned to victory on the third day. And your scars of ridicule can become stamps of his grace.

#MockedYetUnmoved, #Mark15, #ChristOurKing

ASK THIS:

1. Why did the soldiers mock Jesus as “King”?
2. How does knowing Jesus endured scorn change your view of suffering?
3. When have you felt mocked for your faith, and how did you respond?
4. What would it look like to stand unmoved by the world’s scorn?

DO THIS:

The next time you sense mocking or rejection because of Jesus, quietly pray: “Jesus, You endured more for me—help me stand unmoved.”

PRAY THIS:

Lord Jesus, you endured mockery and pain to save me. When I face ridicule, give me courage to stand firm in your name, trusting in your victory. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Man of Sorrows."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

And today's shout-out goes to Ken Lewis from Bluffton, SC. Ken, your support through Project23 helps others see the depth of Jesus' mercy. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 15:6-15:

Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" And they cried out again, "Crucify him." And Pilate said to them, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him." So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.— Mark 15:6-15

Picture the scene: a festive crowd at Passover, power in Pilate’s hands, two men before them.
One—Barabbas—guilty of murder and insurrection.
The other—Jesus—innocent of any crime.

And they choose to release the criminal while crucifying the innocent.

It’s no mistake. It’s the core of the gospel: The innocent suffers the judgment you deserve so the guilty can go free.
Barabbas walks out with chains removed. Jesus enters bearing a crown of thorns and a heavy wooden beam.
This is substitution. This is a scandalous act of grace, enough to shatter every expectation.

We are Barabbas. We are guilty—rebels deserving punishment. Yet Jesus takes our place.

Don’t let this moment pass as just history. Let it break you and rebuild you.
Ask yourself: Do I truly understand the freedom I’ve received? Am I living like someone set free, or still chained by shame and self-effort?

You are the guilty set free. Free to worship, not work, for your acceptance from God.

Right now, write down one area where you still try to earn God’s approval by your effort. Then, pray: “Jesus, I accept that you took my place. I leave this striving at the cross and embrace your grace today.”

#ScandalousGrace, #Mark15, #Substitution

ASK THIS:

1. What surprises you most about Barabbas going free?
2. How does knowing Jesus took your punishment reshape your daily choices?
3. Where do you still feel chained by guilt or self-effort?
4. How can you live out your freedom in worship and humility this week?

DO THIS:

Right now, write down one area where you still try to earn God’s approval by your effort. Then, pray: “Jesus, I accept that you took my place. I leave this striving at the cross and embrace your grace today.”

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for standing in my place. I was guilty; you were innocent. Today I leave my striving behind and rest in the freedom you won for me. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Jesus Paid It All."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today’s shout-out goes to John Cray from Miramar Beach, FL. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Mark 15:1-5:

And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you." But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. — Mark 15:1-5

Jesus stands accused.

Dragged from an illegal trial at night to a Roman governor by morning, He’s now bound and surrounded by religious leaders intent on His death. The question Pilate asks is critical: "Are you the King of the Jews?"

Jesus doesn’t plead, argue, or retaliate. He simply responds, "You have said so." It’s an acknowledgment, not a defense. Then, as the religious leaders throw charge after charge, Jesus says nothing. Not a word.

And Pilate is stunned.

Jesus’ silence is not weakness—it’s strength under control. He knows he’s innocent. He knows the accusations are false. But more than that, he knows the cross is his assignment. So he stays quiet, surrendering to the will of the Father.

We live in a world where being misunderstood feels unbearable. Where clearing your name is a reflex. But Jesus shows us something higher—He trusted his Father more than he feared false accusations and negative tweets.

Sometimes God calls us to speak. But other times, he calls us to stand in silence, not in defeat, but in trust. There will be moments when defending yourself isn't the point—displaying trust is. And in those moments, Christ's example gives you courage.

When misunderstood or unfairly accused today or this week, pause and reflect. Before defending yourself, ask God if he’s calling you to speak—or to trust him silently like Jesus did.

#SilentStrength, #Mark15, #TrustGod

ASK THIS:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose silence instead of defense?
2. When are you most tempted to justify yourself?
3. How does Jesus’ calmness before Pilate challenge your own reactions?
4. In what current situation might God be calling you to trust, not react?

DO THIS:

When misunderstood or unfairly accused, pause. Before defending yourself, ask God if He’s calling you to speak—or to trust Him silently like Jesus did.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, help me to trust You more than I crave approval or defense. Teach me to walk in humility and strength, just as You did before Pilate. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"I Will Trust My Savior Jesus."