Mark 15:1–15, April 17, 2025 (Thursday)

Mark 15:14-15 (NRSV)14 Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Morning Reflection

On my way to and from early morning worship, I often see lines of cars heading to work from the early hours. Observing how hard people work in America, I’m reminded that this is not simply a land of opportunity, but a country where results match one’s efforts. I once heard a North Korean defector say in an interview that he liked living in South Korea because “you can earn money proportional to your effort.” It struck me that what stands out most in a democratic society is not the political system itself, but the capitalist principle: you earn as much as you work.

From the cars passing by, NPR news is constantly streaming. Lately, the news has been full of issues like tariffs, international students being threatened with deportation, and green cards being revoked. These stories reflect an America that is rapidly changing—leaving many feeling unsettled. Beneath it all, I sense an undercurrent of “America First” that we may not consciously notice. Could this also be an aspect of capitalism? Prioritizing the greatest gain, with little concern for the public good?

During our upcoming Growing Church Conference, we’re planning a hike to the nearby Red Rock Canyon. But we’ve been surprised by how dysfunctional the national park system seems. Reservation systems are broken, inquiries go unanswered, and someone mentioned that national park rangers may have been laid off due to federal budget cuts. It made me realize that many of us are navigating situations where uncertainty and helplessness leave us feeling either anxious or overwhelmed.

In fact, anxiety and helplessness are the emotions that resonate most deeply during this Holy Week. Yuval Noah Harari recently said that “the pandemic may have been the most peaceful time humanity has known.” I initially thought this was nonsense—but now I begin to understand. Wars and conflicts have reignited, and instead of striving to live together, nationalist ideologies have re-emerged. It pains me to think how much more suffering the already marginalized will face.

Today’s passage is a familiar scene from Holy Week—the trial of Jesus before Pilate. Pilate repeatedly tries to release Jesus, while the Jewish religious leaders persist in demanding his crucifixion. In this moment of religious power struggle, it appears the Jewish leaders win. Politically, Pilate remains silent. He finds no reason to kill Jesus. Yet he orders Jesus to be flogged and grants the crowd’s request to release Barabbas instead. Ironically, Barabbas was the leader of the Zealots, a group that had revolted against Rome. Pilate’s choice—to release a revolutionary and crucify the innocent—was a political move to satisfy the Jewish authorities. It was a self-centered, irrational decision made for the sake of his own security. A Roman governor releasing a rebel against Rome and crucifying Jesus? It defies common sense.

Perhaps our anxiety and helplessness come from these very kinds of abnormal circumstances—when we think, “Surely this can't be happening.” But history often reveals greater plans and reversals that exceed our reality.

The crucifixion represents death, but as we know, the resurrection of Jesus is the great reversal to come. In this sense, anxiety and helplessness can be seen as preparatory emotions before we witness miracles and unexpected outcomes.

Just as history continuously progresses, situations filled with uncertainty and fear often give way to hope and new life through unexpected reversals—ultimately building up communities anew through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Nationalism may serve as a short-term political strategy, but in the end, true resolution will come through compromise, humility, and the grace of shared living. So let us see our current anxieties and uncertainty as part of the preparation for something new.

Meditation

Suffering is the preparation ground for miracles. The resurrection of Jesus is proof of this.

Intercessory Prayer

1. Please pray for Brother Changho Moon, who is undergoing hip surgery today. Pray that the operation goes smoothly.

2. Also, this Sunday on Easter, we will have a baptism and confirmation ceremony. Pray for God’s grace to be with these sacred moments.We are also preparing an Easter Egg Hunt for our neighbors. If you have any canopy tents, please bring them to church!

Announcement

1. We are updating our church membership records and need your information. We are taking every precaution to protect your personal data. No information will be shared without your consent. Please fill out the Google Form:👉https://forms.gle/7dg7PaXHJAeg4W3S8

2. After Saturday dawn prayer, we will share soup and bagels together for fellowship. Please join us!