Green With Envy
In Mark chapter 15 the leading priests had brought Jesus to Pilate to have Jesus executed. Pilate was smart enough to have figured at least one thing out:
Mark 15:10 (For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.)
The dictionary defines envy as, “To feel resentful and unhappy because someone else possesses, or has achieved, what one wishes oneself to possess, or to have achieved”
The chief priests wanted what Jesus had. They wanted to be loved and adored. They wanted the authority that came from God truly speaking through you, not just making sure other people followed their rules.
Okay, so a bunch of whiny babies are envious. Big deal, too bad, so sad for you, little man.
But their envy led to more. Much more.
A few verses later, after the guards had beaten and spat on Jesus we find,
Mark 15:20 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
No envy from the chief priests means no beating and mockery of Jesus.
The chief priests were envious, and it led to the beating, the humiliation, and the death of an innocent man.
If we’re not careful, we can let our envy cause all kinds of pain, too. Our envy can cause us to talk down a person simply because we want to “take them down a notch.” It’s easier to try to bring someone down than to try and raise ourselves up. Envy is the cheap, destructive way out.
God wants us to let Him raise us up. God’s plan is to make us better. All envy does is make us bitter.
You can be better or bitter. It’s up to you.
Today’s Readings: Job 26,27: Mark 15 16
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This was powerful and painfully true. Envy doesn’t just rot the heart—it ripples out and wounds others. Thank you for reminding us that bitterness isn’t our only option. God’s way is better, and He’s always ready to lift us up if we’ll let go of the need to tear others down. Grateful for this word today.