What Changed Joseph
Read: Mark 15:42-47 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (v. 43) One of the great hymns of Christ’s passion is “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Isaac Watts may […]
Crying Out in the Dark
Read: Mark 15:33-37 At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice. (v. 34) It was a dark day, the day we call Good Friday. As Jesus hung on the cross and darkness descended over Jerusalem for three hours, it was almost as if nature itself was in mourning for what was taking place. […]
A Love without Limits
Read: Mark 15:29-32 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” (vv. 29-30) As we see in Luke’s Gospel, while Jesus was being crucified, he said, “Father, forgive them, for […]
Mocking Jesus
Read: Mark 15:16-30 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. (v. 20) The Apostles’ Creed tells us that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate.” One of the most deeply emotional ways that Jesus suffered was at the hands of the Roman soldiers. Today’s […]
The Silence of Jesus
Read: Mark 15:1-5 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make?” . . . But Jesus made no further answer. (vv. 4-5) As we begin chapter 15 of Mark, we see that the religious leaders have led Jesus to be tried before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Although they wanted Jesus dead, they […]
A Profile in Courage
Read: Mark 14:54, 66-72 Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. (v. 54) It is easy to criticize Peter for his denial of Jesus. But in reality, his denial never would have happened had he not had a huge amount of courage and commitment to Jesus. Think […]
Abba, Father
Read: Mark 14:32-42 Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. (v. 36) This must have been one of the most difficult moments in Jesus’ life. Verse 33 tells us that Jesus “began to be greatly distressed and troubled.” Then he […]
The New Covenant
Read: Mark 14:22-26 Take; this is my body . . . This is my blood . . . which is poured out for many. (vv. 22-24) These words are familiar to many of us. We often hear them at worship on Sundays. They are called “the words of institution.” They are spoken as part of […]
You Can’t Fool God
Read: Mark 14:17-21 As they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” (v. 18) When discussing God’s attributes and character, theologians often use the Latin prefix omni, which means “all” or “every.” With reference to God, they […]