Mark 15:33-41: Jesus Dies on the Cross

> Jesus' Cry from the Cross

When Jesus cries out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This isn't merely a cry of anguish but a public proclamation.

The Greek word suggests Jesus "shouted" or "proclaimed" these words from Psalm 22.

This fulfills OT prophecy while serving a dual purpose: Jesus experiences genuine forsakenness as He bears our sin, yet proclaims this truth for our benefit.

The crowd thinks He's calling for Elijah, missing that Jesus is quoting Scripture and declaring His identity as the suffering Messiah. They offer sour wine, not mercy, but mockery

> Jesus' Authority Over Death

When it says that Jesus "breathed His last," it demonstrates His divine authority.

Jesus dies when He chooses to lay down His life.

As He said, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18).

>The Temple Curtain Torn

The temple curtain tore from top to bottom.

This massive veil separated the Holy of Holies from the people. Only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement.

Now, through Christ's sacrifice, the separation between God and humanity is removed. Every believer can approach God's presence.

This echoes Mark's opening where the heavens were "torn open" at Jesus' baptism.

> The Centurion's Confession

The Roman centurion declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

Having witnessed Jesus' authority over His own death and the supernatural signs, this pagan soldier becomes the first human in Mark's Gospel to confess Jesus' true identity.

> Faithful Witnesses

The women who followed Jesus remain at the cross while the male disciples flee.

Their presence as witnesses establishes the credibility of the Gospel accounts and honors their faithfulness to Him.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Mark 15:16-32: The Crucifixion

The soldiers led Jesus to the palace, clothed him in purple, crowned him with thorns, and mocked him saying "Hail, King of the Jews!"

They struck him, spat on him, and knelt in false homage before leading him out to crucify him.

Irony

The soldiers unknowingly proclaimed truth through their mockery.

Christ truly is King of Kings, and the crown of thorns represents what God's earthly kingdom actually looks like — suffering for sinners.

The entire scene drips with irony as everyone involved unwittingly confesses the gospel narrative.

Active vs. Passive

Jesus wasn't passively swept along by events. He remained in complete control, actively choosing to endure this suffering.

He could have called legions of angels but chose to be "a lamb led to the slaughter."

It was deliberate submission for our sake.

The Crucifixion

Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus's cross.

The soldiers divided his garments by casting lots, fulfilling prophecy.

Jesus was crucified between two robbers while mockers demanded he save himself

Simon of Cyrene

This random man, pulled from his journey, unexpectedly bore Christ's cross.

Church history suggests he became a believer — the fact that he's named indicates the early church knew him.

The Thieves

Both likely mocked Jesus initially (in Mark's account), but one eventually recognized Jesus's innocence and asked to be remembered in his kingdom (in Luke's account).

The Central Truth

Every detail — from the crown of thorns to the divided garments — points to one reality: Christ is dying for sinners.

This is God's work of salvation.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all participated in this redemptive act.

All Good Friday preaching must return to this core truth: Jesus died for you.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Mark 15:1-15 Uncultured Saints Bible Study

Jesus Before Pilot

Pilate likely doesn't care about Jesus or Jewish religious disputes.

As a Roman proconsul dealing with occupied territory during times of insurrection, he's primarily concerned with security and Caesar's interests.

The charge against Jesus that he is claiming to be "King of the Jews" matters to him because it suggests political rebellion.

When Pilate asks if Jesus is the King of the Jews, Jesus responds, "You have said so."

This non-answer, combined with Jesus's refusal to defend himself against accusations, gradually disarms and confuses Pilate.

Pilate seems to recognize Jesus's innocence, but he likely feels politically trapped.

The Crowd

Who is the crowd? This might be the same Palm Sunday crowd, manipulated by chief priests and scribes.

These religious leaders likely gathered people early in the morning, exploiting their disappointment that Jesus failed to be the revolutionary they expected.

When Jesus doesn't overthrow Roman rule, the crowd turns against him.

Barabbas

Barabbas represents layered biblical irony.

His name literally means "son of the father," creating a striking parallel when the crowd chooses a false "son of the father" while rejecting the true Son of the Father.

Barabbas was an actual insurrectionist and murderer, the very thing they falsely accused Jesus of being.

Why is Jesus silent?

Jesus's silence fulfills Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant doesn't open his mouth.

The discussion emphasizes that Jesus simultaneously stands innocent before Pilate yet guilty before God not because he sinned, but because he took on humanity's sin.

In this section of Mark 15, the conversation highlights how God uses human schemes to accomplish divine purposes.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus