Know Jesus - Hero Victorious - Mark 15 and 16 - October 25, 2009

Bible Study – Know Jesus – Hero Victorious – October 25, 2009

This is our final study in Mark.

Our scripture is Mark 15:1-5, 12-13, 32, 37-39; 16:1, 5-7.

We have journeyed with JESUS and HIS disciples through the Gospel according to Mark. The last few studies have focused on the last week of JESUS’ earthly ministry or Passion Week in Jerusalem, which was also Passover Week.

GOD’S timing is just awesome. During the very week when the Jews were celebrating Passover, the time when they were remembering and celebrating GOD’S deliverance of their forefathers from the bondage of Egyptian slavery, HIS ultimate plan for mankind was unfolding. During the week of Passover, GOD was delivering mankind from the bondage of sin and death through the death and resurrection of HIS ONLY SON JESUS. WOW!!! This would mark the end for a need to sacrifice animals for sin because the ultimate sacrifice would have been made.

In last week’s study, JESUS went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. HE asked the FATHER to allow this cup to pass from HIM but not HIS will be done but that GOD’S will be done. After such a prayer HIS mission, HE knew that all the events to follow, regardless of HIS opinion about them, would be according HIS FATHER’S plan and purpose. Therefore, HE did not have to second guess anything that happened to HIM. It was a done deal and HE remained obedient to the FATHER because HIS FATHER was in control. Was it easy? NO!!! JESUS was tested each step of the way even through the moments when HE gave up HIS SPIRIT for every believer.

This is the importance of prayer. When we are facing difficult times in our lives, we must pray. When GOD confirms that we are to go down a certain path according to HIS plan and purpose, we do not have to second guess what may come our way. HE is in control. Here is where a loving, intimate relationship with our FATHER, through CHRIST, is vital. When we encounter difficult times, GOD always goes through them with us and will provide the strength for us to endure. It is during these times that our trust and confidence must be in the FATHER and HIS leadership. Coming through such difficult times helps build an even more secure relationship with CHRIST.

Believers have the knowledge that even if they blow it, as Peter did when he denied CHRIST three (3) times, JESUS stands ready to forgive when we ask HIM and we repent.

Our study today will allow us to see GOD allow HIS ONLY SON experience ultimate evil. This was allowed by GOD so that all who believe in HIM will be set free from the bondage of sin and death. When JESUS gave HIS life it paid the penalty for sin, set all believers free from the penalty of sin and opened the door for them to receive the gift of forgiveness, rebirth into GOD’S family and eternal life.

Our study last week ended with the arrest of JESUS. HE was taken immediately to the Sanhedrin for an illegal interrogation. Why was it illegal? It was against the Jewish law to interrogate at night. But let’s see what they did to make it legal.

Let’s read Mark 15:1-5:

Jesus Faces Pilate
1 As soon as it was morning, the • chief priests had a meeting with the elders, • scribes, and the whole • Sanhedrin. After tying Jesus up, they led Him away and handed Him over to • Pilate. 2 So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You have said it.”[1] Or That is true, an affirmative oath; Mt 26:64; 27:11 3 And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. 4 Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Are You not answering anything? Look how many things they are accusing You of!” 5 But Jesus still did not answer anything, so Pilate was amazed.

The chief priests interrogated JESUS during the early morning before sunup, which was a violation of the Jewish law. Notice that “as soon as it was morning”, the chief priests called all the elders and scribes who made up the full Sanhedrin to make final judgment. The Sanhedrin was the Supreme Court and ruling body of the Jews. We need to keep in mind that the vote to condemn JESUS was not unanimous. We know that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were members of the Sanhedrin and followers of JESUS.

Those heading the Sanhedrin were eager to process JESUS through their system, because time was of the essence. They wanted JESUS dead but the Sanhedrin could not carry out capital punishment. The Sanhedrin could only condemn and then turn over the accused Jew to the Romans to carry out its’ sentence. The opponents of CHRIST knew they had a short window of opportunity because Jerusalem was full of people celebrating Passover and they could likely find enough people to protest against JESUS. They wanted to create the appearance of turmoil because they knew Pilot did not want the appearance of an uprising. They had a plan to get the job done as quickly as possible.

The Jewish high priest was appointed by Pilot. Therefore, there was a close relationship between the high priest and Pilot. He knew that Pilot did not want any bad reports coming from the Jews in Jerusalem regarding his performance being sent back to the Roman government. History tells us that he was already on thin ice and did not need any trouble from the Jewish ruling body. Pilot was the fifth governor of Judea and ruled from 26-36 A.D. and he was ruthless.

The Sanhedrin condemned JESUS of blasphemy, which according to Jewish law was punishable by death. The problem was that Pilot could care less about the Jewish law. He was only concerned with Roman law and rule, which was political governance. The Sanhedrin tied up JESUS like a common criminal and the entire Sanhedrin went with HIM to Pilot. Did this mean that the members of the Sanhedrin who believed in JESUS supported the decision of the Sanhedrin? Or did they go with JESUS as support and to see what happened? I think the latter reason. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both members of the Sanhedrin, were bold when they claimed and buried the body of JESUS immediately after HIS death on the cross.

Pilot had likely already heard of this man JESUS. It was his duty to keep tabs on people who had a crowd of people following them. He had likely made up his mind that JESUS was harmless. But now the Sanhedrin had brought JESUS to him accusing HIM of crimes punishable by death. Pilot was concerned with the political nature of matters which might influence Roman rule. He was not concerned about religious matters. The Sanhedrin knew that and made a number of charges against JESUS blending those that violated Jewish law with those that would cause Pilot concern. Mark does not give the detail that other gospel writers give. So let’s take a peek at another scripture:

Luke 23:2:

2 They began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, opposing payment of taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is the • Messiah, a King.”

This accusation of saying HE was a King was what got Pilot’s attention. But it is clear that Pilot did not consider JESUS a threat. It was clear that he was concerned with the pleasing the people.

Pilot was amazed. JESUS was unlike any person he had encountered. I think Pilot saw JESUS as the SON of GOD. When the Jews asked Pilot to change the sign over JESUS' head to read, HE said HE was the King of the Jews, Pilot said the leave it like it was written.

Let’s read Mark 15:12-13, 32:

12 Pilate asked them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the One you call the King of the Jews?” 13 Again they shouted, “Crucify Him!”

The only thing Pilot can hang a charge on is the fact that JESUS was accused of being “King of the Jews.” Pilot knew there was but one king and it was Caesar. Notice Pilot’s statement “the One you call the King of the Jews.” Pilot had questioned JESUS and he had concluded that JESUS was no threat to Roman rule. But he was in a difficult place. He did not want an uprising, the appearance of political unrest or the Jewish leaders accusing him of being uncooperative. It is clear in Pilot’s mind that JESUS was innocent so he asked the crowd what to do with JESUS. Those opposing JESUS had worked the crowd to shout those final words, “Crucify HIM!!!”

Pilot washed his hands in an effort to show that the final decision was not his but the people who had been stirred up by the Sanhedrin.

Once condemned to death, it was death by crucifixion. JESUS had already been beaten but now HE had to walk to Calvary caring HIS own cross as was the custom.
Crucifixion was one of the cruelest methods of capital punishment. The victims hands were either nailed through the wrists or their hands tied to the cross beam. JESUS’ was nailed to the cross. Then the victim’s feet were nailed to the vertical member of the cross. It was a long agonizing death. The victim died of suffocation.
Now for an “I think”, which you know is not backed by scripture or history. My, “I think” is regarding the quick death of JESUS. I think that those nailing a victim to the cross knew exactly where to place the nail to either prolong the death process to inflict maximum suffering or place them to result in quicker death. I think Pilot sent word to the centurion in charge of crucifixion to allow death to come soon. We need to keep in mind that JESUS had the power to come down off the cross but HE chose to remain on the cross for you and for me. HE was faithful to the end.

Let’s read Mark 15:32:

32 Let the • Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him were taunting Him.

Remember JESUS was tempted in all ways as we are. Here is another moment where I would have been tempted to prove myself. The taunts of the onlookers would have stirred my ego and BAM, I would have taken action. But JESUS knew HIS mission and purpose. HE remained faithful and remained on the cross. Little did those taunting JESUS know that HE was giving HIS life for all who would believe in HIM to be set free from sin and death.

Let’s read Mark 15:37-39:

37 But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. 38 Then the curtain of the sanctuary[15] A heavy curtain separated the inner room of the temple from the outer. was split in two from top to bottom. 39 When the • centurion, who was standing opposite Him, saw the way He[16] Other mss read saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “This man really was God’s Son!”[17] Or the Son of God; Mk 1:1

Mark does not give us the details that other gospel writers do but he does emphasize the splitting of the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place from top to bottom. This was a sign that GOD split the curtain and believers were no longer separated from GOD. Believers now had direct access to GOD through CHRIST. Mark highlights the impact of the death of JESUS on the centurion. Much discussion has evolved around whether or not the centurion became a Christian at that moment. I think he did. Let’s explore other scripture:

John 19:28-37:
The Finished Work of Jesus
28 After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said, “I’m thirsty!”[10] Ps 22:15; 69:21 29 A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on hyssop[11] Or with hyssop and held it up to His mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Jesus’ Side Pierced (Notice the fulfillment of prophesy.)
31 Since it was the preparation day,[12] Jn 19:14 the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special[13] Lit great day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that [their bodies]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. be taken away.[14] Dt 21:22–23 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with Him. 33 When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 He who saw this has testified[15] Jn 1:14–15,34 so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth.[16] Jn 21:24 36 For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled:[17] Jn 13:18; 17:12; 19:24 Not one of His bones will be broken.[18] Ex 12:46; Nm 9:12; Ps 34:20 37 Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the One they pierced.[19] Zch 12:10

Luke 23:44-46:
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about noon,[16] Lit about the sixth hour and darkness came over the whole land[17] Or whole earth until three,[18] Lit the ninth hour 45 because the sun’s light failed.[19] Other mss read three, and the sun was darkened The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. 46 And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.”[20] Ps 31:5 Saying this, He breathed His last.

Mathew 27:45-56:
The Death of Jesus
45 From noon until three in the afternoon[21] Lit From the sixth hour to the ninth hour darkness came over the whole land.[22] Or whole earth 46 At about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken[23] Or abandoned Me?”[24] Ps 22:1 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah!” 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, fixed it on a reed, and offered Him a drink. 49 But the rest said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to save Him!” 50 Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary[25] A heavy curtain separated the inner room of the temple from the outer. was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened and many bodies of the saints who had gone to their rest[26] Lit saints having fallen asleep; that is, they had died were raised. 53 And they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many. 54 When the • centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “This man really was God’s Son!”[27] Or the Son of God 55 Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered to Him were there, looking on from a distance. 56 Among them were • Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

The women who were with JESUS at the crucifixion were the ones going to HIS tomb on Sunday morning.

Let’s read Mark 16:1, 5-7:

Resurrection Morning
1 When the Sabbath was over, • Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him.

5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man[1] In Mt 28:2, the young man = an angel dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; they were amazed and alarmed.[2] Amazed and alarmed translate the idea of one Gk word. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus the • Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there just as He told you.’ ”

The death of JESUS is one thing but HIS resurrection sets HIM apart from all. GOD knew without the resurrection people could dispute the validity of JESUS’ passion but the resurrection would be proof that HE had paid the penalty for sin and the consequences of sin, which is death. The fact that GOD raised JESUS from the dead was proof that JESUS was the acceptable sacrifice for the original sin, which removed the death sentence resulting from Adam and Eve’s disobedience.

JESUS was crucified on Friday. By this time (Sunday mornig) JESUS would be decaying. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had applied seventy-five (75) pounds of myrrh and aloes on HIS body on Friday. As the ladies walked to the tomb, they pondered how they would remove the large stone placed over the entrance to the tomb. We know from other gospels that Pilot had the tomb sealed and placed soldiers to guard the tomb.

To their surprise the tomb was open and they entered. They see a young man inside the tomb dressed in a long white robe. Other gospel writers tell us that this young man is an angel. Other gospel writers tell us there were two (2) angels present. Mark tells us that the women were amazed and afraid. The angel calmed their fear and asked them if they were seeking JESUS the Nazarene? Why did the angel ask them this question? Here is another, I think, moment. I think the angel was emphasizing that JESUS came to earth as a human and gave HIS earthly life to satisfy the sin debt required by GOD. As proof that JESUS’ sacrifice was acceptable, GOD raised HIM from the dead. This was proof that JESUS satisfied the sin debt and conquered death so that all who believe in HIM will receive the gift of eternal life and will receive the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell their lives.

The angel made certain they knew CHRIST, born of a virgin, had been resurrected and they were to be the bearers of this Good News. JESUS’ earthly body had died but GOD had raised HIM and gave HIM a glorified body. JESUS had told HIS disciples that HE would meet them in Galilee after HIS resurrection.

I think that the specific mention of Peter is so precious. Even when we think we have disappointed GOD, HE has an open invitation for HIS children to come to HIM. Peter had a choice, would he go to meet JESUS or not? We know that he went.

This was a quick overview of the Gospel according to Mark. What is the gospel according to you? Do you know JESUS as your personal SAVIOR? I hope so. It is a very simple step of faith that we all have to make. Yet, it is often the hardest step we make. You cannot live the Christian life in your own strength. You must have a knowing relationship with CHRIST. By yielding your will to HIM and allowing HIM, through the HOLY SPIRIT, to direct your life will help build this relationship. Read and study HIS Word, the Bible. Talk to HIM in prayer and ask HIM to lead you to a body of believers who can journey with you as you seek to grow and mature in CHRIST.

We find in Acts 6:7, that Doctor Luke reported after Pentecost even some of the Jewish priests became believers:

7 So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.