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18. The Cross and Resurrection

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This final section of Mark’s Gospel brings the Passion narrative to its climax. The crucifixion of Jesus is marked by irony, mockery, and cosmic signs. Yet, it is also the moment of revelation—Jesus’ true identity is revealed through his suffering. The narrative ends not with triumphal appearances but with an empty tomb and trembling disciples, inviting the reader to respond in faith.

Narrative Function in the Gospel of Mark

Mark 15:21-16:8 concludes the Gospel with several paradoxes and unexpected reversals: glory through shame, kingship through suffering, and victory through apparent defeat.

  • Brings together prophetic fulfillment, human indignity, and divine purpose.
  • Jesus’ identity is finally acknowledged in unexpected places and by unexpected people.
  • The Gospel ends abruptly, forcing readers to wrestle with the implications of the resurrection.

    • The Crucifixion of Jesus (15:21-32)

    Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus’ cross. Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, offered wine mixed with myrrh (which he refuses), and mocked by onlookers and religious leaders. Two criminals are crucified along with him.

    • Simon represents involuntary discipleship—bearing the cross for another.
    • Jesus’ refusal of painkillers shows his determination to face the suffering.
    • The inscription “King of the Jews” becomes an ironic proclamation of truth.

      • Narrative Contribution:

      • Marks the peak of Jesus’ suffering and public humiliation.
      • Fulfills numerous Old Testament passages (cf. Psalm 22, Isaiah 53).
      • Sets the stage for Jesus’ impending death

        • The Death of Jesus (15:33-41)

        At noon, darkness covers the land. Jesus cries out quoting an OT psalm and then breathes his last. The temple curtain is torn in two, and the Roman centurion proclaims Jesus as “the Son of God.”

        • Darkness symbolizes divine judgment.
        • Jesus’ cry draws upon the psalmist’s cry of anguish (Ps 22:1)
        • The torn curtain signifies the opening of direct access to God.
        • The centurion, a Gentile, is the first person to proclaim Jesus’ true identify.
          • This Gentile soldier is the first person (besides the heavenly voice or unclean spirits) to identify Jesus with this title (cf. 1:11; 9:7; 3:11; 5:7).

            • Narrative Contribution:

            • Jesus’ death becomes the moment of revelation, not defeat.
            • Reverses expectations: God’s purpose for the Messiah is revealed through suffering, not a grand triumph.
            • Focuses the scope of discipleship on Gentiles and women. They are the ones who understand and truly “see.”

              • The Burial of Jesus (15:42-47)

              Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, decides to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body. Jesus is confirmed dead, Joseph buries him in a rock tomb. Women disciples are mentioned watching where he is laid.

              • Joseph’s courage is contrasted with the cowardice of others.
              • The quick burial fulfills Jewish law regarding the Sabbath and people who are executed on a tree (cf. Deut 21:43).
              • Women are highlighted as the only consistent witnesses throughout the Passion events.

                • Narrative Contribution:

                • Emphasizes the reality and finality of Jesus’ death.
                  • Pilates response was mentioned perhaps to combat any rumors that had spread about a mistake concerning Jesus’ death, that he was taken down prematurely before he died.
                  • Preserves the narrative continuity for the resurrection account.
                  • Foreshadows the resurrection by noting the women’s careful observance of Jesus’ tomb.

                    • The Resurrection of Jesus (16:1-8)

                    Early on the first day of the week (Sunday), three women come to anoint Jesus but find the stone rolled away. A young man in white tells them Jesus has risen, and they are to tell the disciples he will meet them in Galilee. The women flee in fear and say nothing to anyone.

                    • The women were continuing to minister to Jesus even after his death.
                    • The rolled-away stone and an angelic figure suggests divine intervention.
                    • The empty tomb is the silent witness to God’s power over death in raising Jesus back to life.
                    • The command to go to Galilee recalls Jesus’ earlier prophecy.
                      • “But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” (Mk 14:28)

                        • Narrative Contribution:

                        • The resurrection is announced but not seen, which suggests that faith is required.
                        • The abrupt ending (in most manuscripts) creates dramatic tension: Will the message be carried forward?
                        • Challenges readers to become the faithful messengers the disciples failed to be.
                        • The great irony in Mark is that when people are commanded to not reveal who Jesus is, they often disobey. But her when the women are commanded to announce what has happened, they fail to do so!
                          • The post 18. The Cross and Resurrection first appeared on Living Hope.
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