As I was reading over the accounts of the crucifixion in Mark during this past Passion week, a few thoughts of reflection from Mark's ending.  (maybe we will put up another blog entry regarding the case for the shorter ending of Mark, this post will be more on the content)

What I noticed about the people surrounding the cross who were faithful disciples - the women who watched from a distance, a member of the Sanhedrin (who were the main pushers for Jesus' death), and again the women who went to the tomb early Sunday morning, was the glimpes of faithful disicples in the midst of the most confusing and dark times possible, the death of their leader Jesus Christ.  But not only was it His death, but in the most shameful, abasing way possible with mockers surrounding His execution.

Their actions were simple, just simple witnesses at the scene of His death.  A bold request to Pilate to ask for the body and laying it in linen cloth in a tomb hewn out of the rock, and a simple effort to put spices on the body the following morning.  However the faith and hope for the coming kingdom (15:43), mixed in with a simple love for Jesus might have seemed herculean in the environment of betrayal, mockery, darkness, and scattering of all the other disciples.

It reminds me that the gospel of Mark was written emphasizing the theme of the suffering servant who came not to be served, to be gradiose or air of pomp and circumstance, but one who came to serve and give His life for many.  And how many disciples throughout history have followed in those same steps.  Simple, humble servant hearted faithfulness in the midst of harsh opposition, dark times, mocking onlookers, or scattering of fellow disciples?  Maybe that is the kind of faith that God is highlighting at the cross of those who stand at a distance.