221. Mocked, Spat On, Scourged, Killed
All Christians believe Jesus' prophecy of His death. “They will condemn him to death, and will deliver him to the Gentiles. They will mock him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” (Mark 10:33-34 cf. Matthew 20:18-19; Luke 18:31-33)
222. The Lust for Positions
All Christians agree that the lust for positions in the church is a source of great strife, which we learn as James and John sought high office. (Matthew 20:20-24; Mark 10:35-41) “When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant towards James and John.” (Mark 10:41)
223. Authoritarianism
All Christians believe that tyrannical and authoritarian leadership found so often among the rulers of nations, has no place within the Church (Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:24-27). “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you” (Mark 10:42-43)
224. The First
All Christians believe that the first among us are those that serve. “Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:27-28 cf. Mark 10:44-45; Luke 22:26-27)
225. Jesus Hears
All Christians believe that though a “multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet,” (Matthew 20:31) Jesus hears the cry of the needy, and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” (vs 32) because Jesus is “moved with compassion” (vs 34 cf. Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43).
226. Zacchaeus
All Christians agree that Jesus often ate with sinners. Zacchaeus was no exception. People murmured, “He has gone in to lodge with a man who is a sinner.” (Luke 19:7) What was the reason? “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:1-10)
227. Talents
All Christians believe that God gave His servants various spiritual deposits and expects a return on His investment. Although the gift of eternal life is the same for all, the reward in eternity depends on what we do with those spiritual deposits from heaven in this life. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27) Those who have done well will hear similar words to these, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21, 23) But the fearful who did no good works will be punished. “For I tell you that to everyone who has, will more be given; but from him who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.” (Luke 19:26)
228. The Passover Plot
All Christians believe that the religious leaders were plotting to seize Jesus around the time of Passover. “Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him.” (John 11:57)
229. Riding a Donkey
All Christians believe that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey, a sign of a humble king, the diametric opposite of those who ride in luxurious carriages or on thoroughbred stallions. The multitudes spread clothes and branches on the road in front of Him (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-15). They kept shouting many things, including the following words, “Hosanna [save, I pray] to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9)
230. The Fig Tree
All Christians believe that Jesus cursed a barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-11; Mark 11:12-14) right before clearing the temple of merchants, a house of worship that also did not bear fruit.
