Mark 15
January Memory Verse: Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Mark 8:34 (NIV)
Read: Mark 15
Today we’re in Mark 15. Tomorrow we’ll finish our first book in our New Testament journey! How exciting! For some of you, this is the first time in a long time – maybe ever – that you’ve read every day for 15 days and completed a book in the Bible. Congratulations! I hope God used it in big ways in your life. On Saturday we’ll start a new book. Who can you invite to join us on this journey?
Mark 15 walks us through the events of Jesus’ death.
The Accusation (v.1-5)
Jesus was taken to Pilate the Roman governor, accused of many crimes by the Jews. He refused to argue His case – He came to earth to die (John 3:16).
The Denial (v.6-14)
Pilate wanted out – he offered to release Jesus but when given the opportunity for His release, the very people Jesus came to save denied Him.
The Beating (v.15)
The flogging Jesus endured was more than most of us would live through.
The Mockery (v.16-20)
Beaten half to death, Jesus is mocked by the soldier who dress Him up in pretentious royal garments and mock Him.
The Crucifixion (v.21-25)
Crucifixion was the death of all deaths. The pain of the nails. The need to pull yourself up to breathe. The shame.
The Abuse (v.26-32)
Jesus was bombarded with abuse from the soldiers who gambled for His last earthly possessions, the thieves on either side of Him, and the crowd, egged on by the religious leaders.
The Weight of Sin (v.33-36)
Jesus bore the weight of the sin of the whole world. He withstood the wrath of God against the sins of all mankind (1 Peter 3:18).
The Impact (v.37-41)
Jesus death was not without notice. The temple veil torn, the earthquake, the chief guard who proclaimed His deity.
The Burial (v.42-47)
Jesus followers lovingly and carefully buried Him, confirming His death and honoring Him even though He was gone.
As you read this today, what new details stood out to you that you missed before? (please post them in the comments)
What part of the story had the greatest impact on you today?
How will reading this effect your day – what will change?
By: Tim Parsons
Read: Mark 15
Today we’re in Mark 15. Tomorrow we’ll finish our first book in our New Testament journey! How exciting! For some of you, this is the first time in a long time – maybe ever – that you’ve read every day for 15 days and completed a book in the Bible. Congratulations! I hope God used it in big ways in your life. On Saturday we’ll start a new book. Who can you invite to join us on this journey?
Mark 15 walks us through the events of Jesus’ death.
The Accusation (v.1-5)
Jesus was taken to Pilate the Roman governor, accused of many crimes by the Jews. He refused to argue His case – He came to earth to die (John 3:16).
The Denial (v.6-14)
Pilate wanted out – he offered to release Jesus but when given the opportunity for His release, the very people Jesus came to save denied Him.
The Beating (v.15)
The flogging Jesus endured was more than most of us would live through.
The Mockery (v.16-20)
Beaten half to death, Jesus is mocked by the soldier who dress Him up in pretentious royal garments and mock Him.
The Crucifixion (v.21-25)
Crucifixion was the death of all deaths. The pain of the nails. The need to pull yourself up to breathe. The shame.
The Abuse (v.26-32)
Jesus was bombarded with abuse from the soldiers who gambled for His last earthly possessions, the thieves on either side of Him, and the crowd, egged on by the religious leaders.
The Weight of Sin (v.33-36)
Jesus bore the weight of the sin of the whole world. He withstood the wrath of God against the sins of all mankind (1 Peter 3:18).
The Impact (v.37-41)
Jesus death was not without notice. The temple veil torn, the earthquake, the chief guard who proclaimed His deity.
The Burial (v.42-47)
Jesus followers lovingly and carefully buried Him, confirming His death and honoring Him even though He was gone.
As you read this today, what new details stood out to you that you missed before? (please post them in the comments)
What part of the story had the greatest impact on you today?
How will reading this effect your day – what will change?
By: Tim Parsons
14 Comments
There were also some women looking on from a distance...(v.40)
They loved Him but their hearts could no longer endure such a violent crucifixion up close.
Last night we discussed the subject of costly grace and cheap grace...and so I imagine, after witnessing their Lord's death on the cross for their sins, that for these women there was no misunderstanding of a grace that deserves our heart's loyalty and gratitude.
Thankful for God's grace and good friends who look to the cross in a time of need!
Great word Korbet! Our staff is spending this morning away with the Lord. God used this passage and your words to speak to me this morning. Thank you
Something that I had never seen before was the statement that Joseph of Arimathea “took courage” (ESV) when he went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. It stuck out because I first read the NLT which said he “took a risk.”
I know it was a bold move, I know it took courage, but I think it’s hard to figure the depths of courage it took. Would it cost his life or just his reputation? The text regards him as “prominent” or “respected.” Either way, the cost for J of A would be significantly high.
Nobody buried crucified people. To even have associated with one brought incredible shame.
He was willing to pay whatever price for Jesus and it was still three days until Jesus got back up and started walking around.
Great observation Tyler. Praying for a powerful morning alone with the Lord for you.
Thanks Tyler. Jesus bore the weight of the sin of the whole world. He withstood the wrath of God against the sins of all mankind (1 Peter 3:18).
He withstood the "wrath of God", this was extremely eye opening for me.
Something that stuck out to me, that I’ve actually never noticed before, was the Roman guard that said “Surely this man was the Son of God!” He proclaimed Jesus’s deity even before Jesus rose on the third day. It makes me wonder what he did after that and how his life was changed from that moment on. Once we meet Jesus truly, our lives change as we seek after Him. The old has gone, and the new has come. And, that is exactly why, Jesus died on the cross for us!
Great observation Emily! Thanks! I hope you’re feeling better
I hadn't really paid much attention to the centurion before. I wonder what he saw as Jesus died.
The part that stands out and affects me so much is that Jesus humbly stayed on that cross with all the evil, cruelty and injustice that was hurled at Him. No greater love has EVER been lived out. I pray I never take for granted or lessen in any way the cost that was paid for my salvation.
That’s a great observation Lindsay. Wouldn’t you love to talk to him and hear him share his story?
Verse 23: They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
No pain relief from what he endured for us.... This stood out to me on the heels of what we read yesterday, Mark 14:62, when Jesus finally told the high priest he is the Messiah.
I mean, they were unable to get the witnesses to agree in that sham of a trial, so Jesus himself had to give them what they needed to hear so they could invoke the ultimate cancel culture on him. Then even Pilot, a total unbeliever, saw right through them in Mark 15:10, and at the end of the whole miserable scene, Jesus chose to feel every last bit of sin that put him on the cross. He breathed his last having had complete control to stop it all at any time. Amazing.
Great word! What I noticed was how you can be used by God at any moment. Sometimes assignment is placed on you that you did not expect. Simon was just chilling, passing by, and they made him carry the cross. I guess that’s what it literally means to take up your cross daily! Die to self and desires and be willing to serve God
Along the same lines of what Tyler said, I saw that Joseph had to work up the courage to ask Pilate for Jesus' body. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. Here, you have a man that was just crucified because people didn't believe He was who he said he was. This was a very public crucifixion and society then undoubtedly
had their strong opinions on the matter. Jospeh was a prominent man, and was risking a lot by doing this. However, he knew this was the right thing to do, so he did it anyway, no matter the outcome. We need to work up the courage like Joseph did, not caring about the outcome, but following God's word anyway.
What stood out to me in this chapter is when Jewish authorities claim that if Jesus came down from the cross they would believe in Him, but then later they refused to believe Jesus was the Christ after the even greater miracle of His resurrection!
Am I trying to negotiate with God, or use “if, then” statements to try to get what I want? God has given more than enough (and proven more than enough) to justify my following and obeying Him!
Nice one, Kaitlyn! :)