The empty tomb speaks of victory – of salvation won – of mission accomplished. It also speaks of a fresh start for the failed disciples. Jesus promises to meet them once again in Galilee, where the journey began. Here is hope for the flawed and failing – the risen Jesus calls us to follow him in forgiveness and new life.

The empty tomb speaks of victory – of salvation won – of mission accomplished. It also speaks of a fresh start for the failed disciples. Jesus promises to meet them once again in Galilee, where the journey began. Here is hope for the flawed and failing – the risen Jesus calls us to follow him in forgiveness and new life.

Jesus dies a horrific death in the place of sinners. As he dies, Mark highlights for us the significance of all that is taking place – the cry from the cross, the darkness above, the tearing of the curtain temple. Observing in awe the terrible events of Good Friday, we learn afresh the wonder of the Saving work of Jesus.

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and is greeted by the crowds as the long-awaited Messiah-King. Almost immediately, as Jesus confronts sin and corruption, his enemies rise against him. And soon we will see that the Messiah will only receive his kingdom when he has been thoroughly rejected by his people and died for their sins.

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and is greeted by the crowds as the long-awaited Messiah-King. Almost immediately, as Jesus confronts sin and corruption, his enemies rise against him. And soon we will see that the Messiah will only receive his kingdom when he has been thoroughly rejected by his people and died for their sins.

Jesus’ death and resurrection achieve the ultimate victory over the grave. Because he died and rose again, we who believe in him share in his victory.

Sin bars us from God’s holy presence. But when Jesus died, the curtain of the temple was torn in two—indicating that sinners may now enter God’s presence through Jesus.

The Old Testament ceremonial system tells us that sin has a defiling effect. The blood of the animal sacrifices pointed to God’s intention to cleanse, but did not provide true cleansing themselves. But the blood of Jesus really does make defiled sinners clean.

The Old Testament ceremonial system tells us that sin has a defiling effect. The blood of the animal sacrifices pointed to God’s intention to cleanse, but did not provide true cleansing themselves. But the blood of Jesus really does make defiled sinners clean.

The cross is the place where God is able to justify sinners without violating his standards of justice—because Jesus bears the judgment of God in our place as our substitute.