The Cross and the Crown - Week 6       “The Weight of the Cross”                       Mark 15:16-41

Background: Days Prior, Jesus had been celebrated. Mark 11:7-11. “The Triumphal Entry”

Big Idea: Jesus didn’t just die for you—He died instead of you. The cross is not just something He did—it’s who He became for you. (He became sin, who knew no sin..)

Four Movements: 

Substitution (v16-20), Identification (v21-24), Rejection (v25-36) and Revelation (v37-41)

The Cross and the Crown – Week 5          “The Verdict That Changed The  World”         Mark 15:1-15

Big Idea:

Jesus was condemned so that we could be set free. In the great exchange, the innocent was judged guilty, so the guilty could walk in grace.

Context:

Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. The religious leaders have accused Him, the crowd is stirred into a frenzy, and a criminal named Barabbas is placed before them as an option. The people choose Barabbas, the rebel, over Jesus, the Redeemer.

The Spirit of Judas – Bad Intentions, Bad Follow-through

The Spirit of Peter – Good Intentions, Bad Follow-through

The Spirit of Barabbas – Bad Intentions, (Exchanged Follow-through)

The Cross and the Crown – Week 4                Mark 14:53-72                 “On Trial: The King Condemned”

Big Idea:

Jesus stood firm in truth while Peter crumbled in fear. His faithfulness in the face of injustice is our hope when we fail, and we will inevitably fail and fall short (Romans 3:23).

Context:

Jesus is taken to the high priest, where a corrupt trial unfolds. Lies are told, false witnesses are gathered, and the religious leaders seek to destroy Him. Meanwhile, Peter—who once swore he’d never abandon Jesus—stands in the courtyard and denies Him three times.

Jesus will be mocked three times between now and the crucifixion. Each time revealing more and more of His divinity and identity.

I.                             Mockery of Jesus as a Prophet (14:65)

II.                          Mockery of Jesus as the King of the Jews (15:16-20)

III.                       Mockery of Jesus as Savior, Messiah and King of Israel (15:29-32a)

For the first time in Mark’s Gospel, “the Son of God” title (cf. 1:1) appears on the lips of a human character in the story. Only demons (3:11; 5:7) and the voice from the cloud (1:11; 9:7) have uttered it until now. 

Also for the first time in the Gospel (see 1:34; 3:11–12; 8:30; 9:9, 30–31), Jesus publicly accepts that he is the Messiah, with his reply: “I am.”

Teaching Structure:

I. The Corrupt Trial (v53-60) – False witnesses fail to condemn Jesus.

II. The Bold Confession (v61-65) – Jesus declares His divine identity boldly.

III. The Fearful Denial (v66-72) – Peter denies Jesus and weeps bitterly.

Pathway 3: The Preaching of God's Word – "Revival by Revelation"

Big Idea: Revival is fueled by the faithful and clear preaching of God’s Word.

Key Passage: Nehemiah 8:8 – “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.”

Teaching Points:

1. Revival Is Rooted in the Word of God (Psalm 119:25, Hebrews 4:12)
• Revival isn’t based on emotions but on biblical truth.
• The Word of God revives the soul and renews the mind.
2. The Fire of the Word Produces Conviction and Transformation (Acts 2:37, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• When God’s Word is proclaimed, hearts are pierced, and lives are changed.
• Conviction leads to repentance, which leads to revival.
3. We Must Not Just Hear the Word—We Must Obey It (James 1:22-25, Matthew 7:24-27)
• Revival doesn’t come from hearing only but from doing.
• Are we applying the Word, or just admiring it?

Methodology & Practical Application:

• Personal Challenge: Read one chapter of the Bible daily and journal what God speaks.
• Church Challenge: Create a weekly Bible study group focused on revival passages.
• Action Step: Memorize one revival scripture this week.

Prayer Points:

• Pray for a fresh hunger for God's Word.
• Pray for bold, clear, and anointed preaching in the church.
• Pray for God’s Word to break strongholds in people’s lives.

Gospel Invitation:

Jesus is the Living Word (John 1:1-14). He came to reveal the truth and set us free. Will you allow His truth to transform you today?

Week 3 – 3/23       Title: “The Agony of Surrender”       Text: Mark 14:32-52

Big Idea: Jesus faced crushing sorrow, ultimate betrayal, and violent opposition—yet He remained committed to the Father’s will. His suffering SECURED our salvation.

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

I. The Weight of Obedience, The Agony of Surrender: Surrendering to the Father's Will

(Mark 14:32-42) – “Abba, Father… take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

II. The Kiss of Betrayal: When Devotion is Just a Show

(Mark 14:43-46) – “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”

III. The Sword of Resistance: When Zeal Misunderstands the Mission

(Mark 14:47-49) – “One of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest.”

IV. The Flight of Fear: When Faith is Tested, Will You Stand?

(Mark 14:50-52) – “Then everyone deserted him and fled.”

Gospel Realization:

Jesus didn’t flee. He didn’t fight. He didn’t resist. He SURRENDERED—TO SAVE US. The weight of sin, the sting of betrayal, the violence of men—He bore it all so that we could be free.

Recap and Application:

1.      Choose surrender – Pray like Jesus: Not my will, but Yours be done.

2.      Reject superficial faith – Don’t just be near Jesus—be transformed by Him.

3.      Stop fighting the wrong battle – Lay down earthly weapons and trust in God’s power.

4.      Stand firm – When trials come, don’t flee—follow.

Call to Action:

• Are you surrendering or resisting God’s will?
• Are you close to Jesus in appearance but far 
• in heart?
• Are you running from the fight or standing in faith?

Pathway 2: Prayer & Seeking God's Face – "Igniting a Holy Fire"

Big Idea: Revival is birthed and sustained through fervent prayer and desperate pursuit of God.

Key Passage: Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Teaching Points:

1. Revival Starts in the Prayer Closet (Matthew 6:6, James 5:16-18)
• Every great revival in history began with passionate prayer.
• Prayer is not just asking for things but seeking God's presence.
2. Desperate Hunger for God Leads to Breakthrough (Psalm 42:1-2, Exodus 33:15-16)
• The difference between routine prayer and revival prayer is desperation.
• Moses refused to move without God’s presence—do we seek Him the same way?
3. Persistent, United Prayer Unlocks Heaven (Acts 1:14, Acts 4:31)
• The early church prayed fervently and saw supernatural results.
• Revival is a move of God that happens when His people pray together.

Methodology & Practical Application:

• Personal Challenge: Spend at least 30 minutes daily in prayer this week, seeking God’s face.
• Corporate Challenge: Organize a prayer night, inviting people to pray for revival.
• Fasting & Prayer: Encourage fasting as a way to heighten spiritual hunger.

Prayer Points:

• Pray for an insatiable hunger for God's presence.
• Pray for spiritual awakening in your community.
• Pray for God to remove distractions and ignite a fire for prayer.

Gospel Invitation:

Jesus made a way for us to boldly approach the Father in prayer (Hebrews 4:16). If you’ve never called on Him, today is the day to seek Him with all your heart.

Week 2 – 3/16                   

Title: “Betrayed and Broken”            

Text: Mark 14:10-31

Big Idea: Jesus, though betrayed by His own, willingly walks the path of suffering for our redemption. Jesus is the ultimate Passover, by His blood spread on the doorposts of our lives, we can be reunited with God the Father.

Key Takeaways

1.      Betrayal Can Come from the Closest People – Judas walked with Jesus for three years but still turned against Him (proximity alone doesn’t indicate commitment).

2.      Jesus Knows the Future and Is in Control – He predicted His betrayal, death, and resurrection.

3.      True Worship Remembers Christ’s Sacrifice – The Lord’s Supper calls us to remember Jesus’ death until He returns.

4.      Overconfidence Leads to Failure – Peter thought he was stronger than he was, but fear overtook him.

Pathway 1: Humility & Repentance – "The Posture of Revival"

Big Idea: Revival begins with a heart that is humble and obedient before God and willing to turn from sin.

Key Themes for Revival:

• Humility → God lifts up the humble (James 4:10, Micah 6:8).
• Obedience → Walking in God’s ways leads to restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14).
• Repentance → Turning to God brings refreshing and healing (Acts 3:19, Psalm 51).

Key Passage: Matthew 5:3-6(3-12) – 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4Blessedare those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Teaching Points:

1. Revival Begins With Humility (James 4:6-10, Isaiah 57:15)
• Humility acknowledges our complete dependence on God.
• Pride resists revival; humility invites God's presence.
2. Repentance Is More Than Regret (Joel 2:12-13, Acts 3:19)
• True repentance is not just feeling bad about sin but turning away from it.
• Revival flourishes where there is a hunger for holiness.
3. The Power of a Contrite Heart (Psalm 51:10-12, Luke 15:17-20)
• Brokenness before God leads to transformation.             Remorse > “Sorry” 
• A repentant heart is fertile ground for the Holy Spirit.

Methodology & Practical Application:

• Personal Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal any pride or unconfessed sin.
• Corporate Response: Invite people to kneel before God in humility and repentance.
• Challenge: Fast for a day this week as a sign of dependence on God.

Prayer Points:

• Pray for personal humility and surrender.
• Pray for conviction of sin and a spirit of repentance.
• Pray for a fresh hunger for holiness in the church.

Gospel Invitation:

Jesus humbled Himself and bore our sins on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Revival is possible because of His sacrifice. Will you humble yourself and receive His grace today?

The Cross and the Crown - Week 1 (3/9)         Title: “A Beautiful Offering”         Text: Mark 14:1-9

Big Idea:

True worship is marked by extravagant love, reckless devotion, and a heart that values Jesus above all else.

Context:

This moment takes place just days before the crucifixion. The religious leaders are plotting against Jesus (v.1-2), in a “but, God” moment of contrast, an unnamed woman pours out an extravagant gift in an act of pure worship. Her offering is met with criticism, but Jesus defends her, elevating her devotion as an eternal testimony of faith.

Teaching Movements:

I. The Posture of Worship: Devotion That Sees Jesus Clearly

II. The Cost of Worship: A Sacrifice That Has No Limits

III. The Criticism of Worship: Opposition Always Comes

IV. The Reward of Worship: A Legacy That Echoes into Eternity

Series Overview:

The Bible provides several key principles that lead to genuine revival. These principles are saturated and scattered throughout both the Old and New Testaments, revealing how God restores His people to Himself. There are 5 (and many more) pathways that are both basic to and a requirement with experiencing revival:

Pathway 1: Humility & Repentance – "The Posture of Revival"

Pathway 2: Prayer & Seeking God's Face – "Igniting a Holy Fire"

Pathway 3: The Preaching of God's Word – "Revival by Revelation"

Pathway 4: The Power of the Holy Spirit – "God's Presence in Revival"

Pathway 5: Gospel & Evangelism – "Revival That Spreads"