Explore the Bible: April 20

Our Savior • Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-8

By Arthur Story 

This week we take a break from our study of 1 Peter to focus on the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior. This week’s text, Mark 15:33 – Mark 16:8, identifies three aspects of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection that we should consider daily.

Mocked (Mark 33-36)

The first aspect we need to consider is the lack of understanding on the part of the masses. This is important because we see this same situation today. Despite the clear teachings of Scripture and the historical and physical evidence that supports it, many people today will miss the Messiah (Mathew 7:13-14).  

It’s interesting that those present at the cross missed the significance of the three hours of darkness that God brought during Jesus’ time on the cross. Throughout Scripture darkness is understood as a sign of God’s judgement (Matthew 8:12; 22:13, Amos 5:20, Isaiah 5:30, 2 Peter 2:4). The three hours of darkness that God brought while Jesus was on the cross should have resulted in significant contemplation from everyone observing these events. In fact, it seems hard to believe that those experiencing this supernatural darkness wouldn’t have thought of the stories of God’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery and oppression. Sadly, this sign of God’s judgement and deliverance was missed by the majority of people.  

In addition to understanding the significance of the darkness, those watching the spectacle of the crucifixion should have recognized that Jesus’ cry on the cross was a quote from Psalm 22. This is especially true since Psalm 22 was often recited by the Israelites in prayer. Instead, the people continued the process of mocking Jesus. Those standing by at the cross followed the example of the soldiers, criminals, religious leaders, and others, who had mocked Him in verses 16-32. In the context of these instances of mocking, the offering of the wine to Jesus would have been a cruel attempt to prolong His suffering and not an act of compassion.

Killed (Mark 37-39) 

The second aspect we need to consider is the importance of Jesus’ death. In His death, Jesus did for us what we desperately needed but couldn’t do for ourselves: He permanently paid for our sins (Hebrews 7:11-28, Romans 5:12-21).   

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells us that He came to earth to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). On the cross, prior to giving up His spirit, Jesus tells us that His work is completed. These last words of Jesus on the cross are recorded in John 19:30 where Jesus says, “It is finished” (CSB). The Greek word used here is tetelestai, which means “paid in full” and was often used to indicate that an individual’s taxes had been completely paid.  Through His death, Jesus provided for us the complete redemption we could never provide for ourselves. 

In Mark 15:38, it is recorded that the Temple veil was completely torn in half. This is important because of what it signifies. In the Temple, the Holy of Holies was separated from the rest of the Sanctuary by this veil. In addition, the High Priest was the only person allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, he could only enter on a single day of the year: Yom Kippur. The tearing of the veil in half is significant because it revealed that Jesus’ death opened the way in to God’s presence through Jesus rather than through the High Priest or any other earthly mediator (1 Timothy 2:5-6).  

Resurrected (Mark 16:1-8)

The third aspect we need to consider is the proclamation of the resurrected Savior. In Mark 16:1-8, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome were going to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body.  They were doing what was normal in that day. They were going to the grave of Jesus because of their love for Him in order to anoint His body and diminish the odors of decay. As they were walking, they were even considering how to move the heavy stone that sealed the tomb (Matthew 28:2 reveals it was moved by an angel and accompanied by an earthquake).

Upon reaching the tomb and entering, the women were greeted by an angel (Matthew 28:5-7). The angel told them, “He has risen” and told them He had gone ahead of them to Galilee as He had said and that they would see Him there (Mark 16:6-7 CSB). Throughout history many people have tried to dismiss and give alternate explanations of the resurrection. This shouldn’t surprise us nor discourage us as Christians. The plot to undermine the resurrection started with the religious leaders of that day. Upon hearing the testimony of the guards, the religious leaders immediately set into action a plan to change the narrative from resurrection to a stolen body (Matthew 28:11-15).  

Our text concludes with Mary, Mary, and Salome afraid and silent about what they had seen and were told by the angel. As you spend time in meditation and study of this week’s passage, reread Mark 16:8 and consider the following question: “Is fear stopping me from telling anyone about Jesus the Risen Savior?”  

Story is a member of First Ridgeland Church, Ridgeland.