Eternal City Church Sunday Sermons

The death and burial of Jesus are the centerpieces of these fifteen verses. Jesus was not a helpless victim who died at a young age, cut off in his prime unable to accomplish much. Rather, Jesus dies purposefully to make a way for broken and helpless sinners to find forgiveness, reconciliation, and access to God himself, through this sacrificial act of Jesus.

Mark 15:33-47 (ESV)

Death of Jesus (33-41)

o The Jewish day was usually broken into 3-hour sections beginning at 6AM. So, darkness was on the

earth from noon until 3PM based on v33

o Darkness in scripture is usually symbolic for God’s judgment (Amos 8:9; Mark 13:24-25). While Mark

was using the symbolism of God’s judgment on Israel, there was a real, physical darkness.

 Some have tried to explain that the darkness came from a solar eclipse (possible) or dust storm

(less likely), but the story does not require us to think that this is anything less than supernatural.

Regardless of what occurred, this was a divine act picturing divine judgment.

o In v34, Jesus quotes from Ps 22:1, a Psalm of lament. These words need to be understood in light of

2 Cor 5:21 and Gal 3:13 as the burden of the world’s sin produced a felt and real abandonment by

the Father. Jesus is experiencing for the first and only time the wrath of God poured out on sin.

Where Jesus received the wrath of God is the same place where we receive life from God. However,

it should be remembered that this was part of their plan from eternity so even in their temporary

estrangement, the purpose and heart of Father and Son are united.

o Malachi 4:5 provides context for the tradition that Elijah would rescue the righteous. It makes sense

that the people believed Jesus was crying out to Elijah for help even though He was not.

o There were two curtains within the temple that could be referred to in v38. The first separated the

courtyard from the sanctuary and was 80 feet tall. The second curtain separated the sanctuary from

the holy of holies where only the high priest went. Heb 10:19-22 seems to suggest the latter curtain

is in view signifying that people now had free access to God through Jesus.

o The irony should not be lost that the Jewish leaders and onlookers mock Jesus (vs 31-32) but a hated

Roman officer makes the greatest confession of any person in the entire gospel. It should also be a

reminder that for those who have eyes to see what the cross actually is will embrace who Jesus is.

o Vs40-41 is the first mention of women having been actual followers of Jesus, but it should not be

understated the impact women had throughout Jesus’ life and church history – worship (14:3), share

in His burial (15:47), first to see His resurrection (16:1-6), prayer before Pentecost (Acts 1:14), and

using homes for the church (Acts 12:12).

Burial of Jesus (42-47)

o Jesus died sometime between 3-6PM and was buried before the Sabbath started at 6PM.

o Joseph in v43 was a member of the Sanhedrin did not agree with the Sanhedrin’s trial of Jesus (Lk

23:50-51) and used his own tomb to bury Jesus (Mt 27:60). His lack of concern for the other two

men who died shows his motivation was not just in burying the dead but in his affection and love for

Jesus. His request took courage because in Roman law someone crucified gave up their rights to a

burial. Their bodies were usually left to hang or be tossed on the ground to be eaten by animals.

o Even in death, Jesus is still surprising people (Pilate in v44)

The crucifixion is the central point in all of human history. Old Covenant saints looked forward to the day when God would "forgive their iniquity, and...remember their sin no more." New Covenant saints look back with great hope as we have seen the means by which God will accomplish this promise; the death and resurrection of Jesus. We now look forward with great hope as we long for the renewal of all things by the power of the God who said “Behold, I am making all things new.” Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Mark 15:1-32 (ESV)

Jesus Is Tried by Pilate (1-15)

Mark 15 continues to highlight the rejection Jesus faces by His friends (disciples), His people (Jews), and Gentile leaders (Pilate). This emotional aspect was only a portion of the hurt Jesus experienced.

It was customary in Roman culture for the workday to begin before the sun was up with Roman trials beginning at dawn so the events from Mark 14:17 to 15:1 happens between sunset to sunrise.

Pilate would not have been concerned with the charge of blasphemy mentioned in 14:64 so the likely charge brought against Jesus was a political charge of claiming to be king of the Jews.

Jesus’ response, “You have said so,” is not a negative or non-committal response. Rather, it is an affirmation of Pilate’s words but implies that there is a difference in how they understand the term. Pilate is thinking of a political title, but Jesus understands His kingship to not be political or involving only this world. He is king of all things.

Verse 5 is literally translated “Jesus no longer answered nothing.” Greek is different from English in that double negatives were used for emphasis. So, Jesus’ silence is emphasized by Mark as being important (see Is 53:7), and Pilate responds in amazement, continuing the theme of Mark as another person is amazed at Jesus for yet another reason.

Barabbas literally means “Son of Abba.” Not much is known of him other than he participated in some rebellion and people were killed. He would not have been considered a true threat to Rome or Pilate would never have offered him for release, but he was popular with the Jews (Mt 27:16). Discuss the irony of the guilty going free while the innocent is condemned. How does this story relate to us compared to Christ?

Pilate understand the motive of the Jewish leaders and advocates for Jesus (v10, 14), but he is ultimately too weak to stand against Jesus’ accusers (v15). Discuss what it means for Jesus to advocate for us. How is it different from Pilate’s advocacy of Jesus?

A Roman scourging in v15 consisted of being beaten with a leather whip that had sharp metal, bone, stones, or other objects tied to or embedded in the whip. This fulfilled Mark 10:34.

Jesus Is Crucified (16-32)

As the Roman soldiers would have thought of a challenge to Rome, they would have enjoyed and been energized by the beating and mocking which is quite evident in how they carry out these acts. The fact they put Jesus’ clothes on is surprising as Rome crucified prisoners naked.

Simon of Cyrene is from modern day Libya, and Mark’s readers (church in Rome) were at least familiar with his sons. It is possible Simon’s son is mentioned in Romans 16:13.

Rome typically used three shapes for their crosses. Two were shaped liked an X and a T, and the third is the traditional shape we know of. Most likely Jesus’ cross was the traditional shape as both Matthew and Luke reference a sign being placed above His head (v26).

Crucifixion was a painful death usually from suffocation after hours or days of struggling to breathe.

These are some of the darkest verses in all the gospel of Mark. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope in that Jesus says the flesh is weak but that the spirit is willing. We as Christians have new spirits that are empowered and enabled by the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27) to do real good and obey. This is seen in the glorious transformation of Peter after the Holy Spirit comes in New Covenant power on the day of Pentecost.

Mark 14:32-72 (ESV)

Jesus Prays in the Garden (32-42)

Gethsemane literally means “oil press” and refers to a part of the Mount of Olives that contained an olive grove. This place was familiar to Jesus (see John 18:1-2)

Jesus’ remark that His soul is sorrowful is similar to Psalm 42:5-6,11

“Watch” in v 34 is better translated as “stay awake” and is the same word in vs 32-37

The normal position of prayer was to stand (Mark 11:25), so Jesus falling is an indicator of the severe level of distress He was in at that time

The words “hour” and “cup” both refer to Jesus’ death with the former involving the timing of His crucifixion and the latter involving the suffering He will endure. This was the source of His distress

Jesus’ 2nd imperative in v38 to “watch and pray” is a present imperative meaning to continually pray to not give into temptation (See 1 Peter 5:8)

The phrase “It is enough” is a difficult word to interpret. The word has a monetary use so many translate this word as “He is paid” referring to Judas’ payment for betraying Jesus

Jesus Betrayed, Arrested, and Tried (43-65)

The makeup of the group arresting Jesus is a mix of Jews and Romans although indicators such as the chief priests (v 43) and the temple (v 49) focuses the attention on the Jewish character of the group

The disciples’ response in v 50 is a direct fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction in v 27

The “whole council” in v 55 is the Sanhedrin which was the Jewish religious leaders made up of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Mark’s repeated reminder that the witnesses did not agree showcases that this trial was not founded on truth and violated the requirements for a proper trial (Deut 19:15)

Jesus’ response to the high priest’s question quotes from Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13

The high priest tearing his clothes was a formal judicial act not a sign of uncontrolled anger. Also, the high priest’s question assumes Jesus has incriminated Himself, but according to Sanhedrin rules, “no one was able to incriminate himself”

Peter Denies Jesus (66-72)

This section picks up from v 54 where Peter is following closely to Jesus which does support Peter’s claim that he will be loyal to Jesus. However, it puts him in a position to directly deny Jesus

The cursing and swearing in v 71 is not profanity but rather invoking a curse if Peter is lying

Questions

What aspect of Jesus’ death was distressing for Him? Consider Mk 10:45; 14:24; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:13

What can we learn about prayer from Jesus in the garden? How can it help us grow in prayer?

How does the high priest’s response support the doctrine of the deity of Jesus (that Jesus is God)?

In what ways can we act as the Jewish leaders and place ourselves as judges over Jesus?

The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. In this remarkable episode in the life of Christ, we see Jesus' clear understanding of himself as the Passover lamb for the forgiveness of the sins of the world (John 1:29). May we be found clinging to this lamb as our only hope of redemption.

Mark 14:1-31 (ESV)

Plot to Kill Jesus and His Anointed (1-11)

The Feast of Unleavened Bread occurred annually to celebrate the exodus from Egypt and lasted 7 days until the culmination with the Passover

Note that in preparation for one of the holiest weeks of the year in Judaism, the Jewish leaders are plotting a murder. Also note, the religious leaders continue to show their fear of man rather than a fear of God

The town of Bethany was about 2 miles from Jerusalem, and most believe the house belonged to the father of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (see John 12:1-8 for more details). The fact that he is hosting guests would suggest that Simon the leper was no longer a leper but was healed by Jesus

Mark uses a generic “some” for those opposed to her actions most likely to focus the story on the content of their objection and the reality that Jesus is worthy of being honored in this way

By breaking the flask, the woman shows the totality of the gift that not even the flask could be reused

The perfume was worth over a year’s worth of pay

Jesus’ response regarding the poor is not meant to treat the poor as unimportant but to highlight the superiority of Jesus to all things – Consider John 12:4-6 for Judas’ real motivation

Last Supper and Jesus’ Prediction (12-31)

Similarly to 11:2-6, the instructions Jesus provide seem to show that Jesus prearranged for the upper room to be used for their Passover feast. This is strongly implied through the title “Teacher” indicating the man knew who Jesus was, the availability of a large room during the busiest night of the year in Jerusalem, and Jesus’ words, “Where is my room?”

The Passover meal prepared would have included a roasted lamb, unleavened bread, bowl of salt water, bitter herbs, fruit puree, and enough wine for each person to have 4 glasses

Mark structures this chapter through the prediction and fulfillment of Jesus as follows:

Prediction of Judas’ Betrayal (vs 18-21); Fulfillment of Judas’ Betrayal (vs 43-49)

Prediction of Disciples’ Desertion (vs 22-25); Fulfillment of Disciples’ Desertion (vs 50-52)

Prediction of Peter’s Denial (vs 29-31); Fulfillment of Peter’s Denial (vs 66-72)

Vs 21 reminds us of the divine necessity for Jesus’ betrayal and death (“as it is written”) but the human responsibility involved as well (“but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed”)

“Deny in v31 is a synonym for “being ashamed” in 8:38 in the context of being a disciple

Questions

What idols do you have in your life that compete with Jesus for our value and attention?

Discussion the different parts of the Lord’s Supper (bread and wine) and their significance

How does the Lord’s Supper highlight the grace and patience of Jesus? Consider 1 Tim 1:15-16

Predictive prophesy is subject to a wide variety of interpretations. The elders at Eternal City hold interpretations of prophecy about future events with an open hand. We choose to let the gospel's weightiness to outweigh secondary and tertiary issues. In this message, Peter Rew explains the various traditions of interpretation surrounding the millennium and his future-oriented reading of Mark 13:24-35. You will be blessed as you listen in!

Theological Context

There are three dominant theological positions for the timing of the Second Coming of Jesus:

Premillennialism: Following a time of great tribulation, Jesus returns and establishes a physical kingdom on the earth for a period of time (usually believed to be 1,000 years). The final judgment will occur after the 1,000-year kingdom followed by the new heaven and new earth

Postmillennialism: Through the spread of the gospel and growth of the church, Christianity will prosper during a “golden age” of the millennium. After this undetermined amount of time, Jesus physically returns for the final judgment followed by the new heaven and new earth

Amillennialism: The millennium is not literal but has already begun and is identical to the current church age. Though spiritual in nature, Jesus will physically return for the final judgment followed by the new heaven and new earth

The Coming of the Son of Man (24-27)

“But” is a connecting word that typically involves some level of contrast between what came before and what will come after

“In those days” is used with regularity as pertaining to eschatological (end times) events see Joel 3:1 and Jeremiah 3:16

There is debate about whether the cosmic activity of vs 24-25 should be understood metaphorically or literally. Regardless of this, it is clear that the activity is associated with a physical, literal event (either the destruction of Jerusalem or the future return of Jesus)

The Fig Tree (28-31)

“These things” and “all these things” refer back to v 4 and indicate that the events from vs 5-23 need to happen before Jesus returns. These things happened with the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70)

The plain meaning of “this generation” is that it refers to the generation Jesus is speaking to

No One Knows but the Father (32-37)

Jesus’ lack of knowledge does not show a lack of deity. Rather, this aligns to Phil 2:5-11 where Jesus “empties” Himself of certain divine attributes when He became a man

Questions

What has been your experience with eschatology?

What are the similarities and differences between the three views of the 2nd coming of Jesus? Why is it appropriate to not consider this a primary theological position?

Discuss the faithfulness of God that can be seen in verse 27

How does Mark 13 connect to the cross? Specifically, compare 13:32-37 and 14:34-41

What are the areas of your life where you notice you are falling asleep?

How can we collectively care for one another to keep each other awake until Jesus returns?

This 13th chapter of Mark is one of the most interesting and hardest to interpret chapters in the entire gospel. The language is prophetic and cryptic at times however it clearly describes Jesus coming in judgement on Jerusalem and the current expression of Judaism that opposed Jesus and the apostles claims and message. Bellow you will find more depth into the text and questions for further study:

Mark 13:1-23 (ESV)

Theological Context:

There are two dominant theological positions that impact how to handle this entire chapter:

1. Preterism: Either all of a majority of Jesus’ prophecy occurs by AD 70 when Rome sieges Jerusalem and destroys the temple

2. Futurism: Jesus’ prophecy is not yet fulfilled but will be fulfilled in the future during a time of tribulation followed by a physical, literal millennial kingdom.

Reminder: Mark is written most like around AD 65

Jesus Predicts the Temple Destruction (1-4)

Josephus, a 1st century Jewish historian, described the temple as “the most glorious building he had seen,” and stated that some stones were over 40 ft long, 15 ft wide, and 10 ft tall, weighing 600 tons

The disciples use of the plural “these things” indicates they understood the temple destruction as part of a larger series of events

Jesus Describes the Temple Destruction (5-23)

This section forms a chiastic structure as follows:

People claim to speak for Jesus (5-6)

Reports of war and natural disasters (7-8)

Believers are persecuted (9-13)

Fighting and tribulation in Jerusalem (14-20)

People claim to be Christ (21-23)

In this chiastic framework, Jesus is emphasizing that Christians during this time will need to be watching because persecution is coming.

The word “see” in v 5, “be on your guard” in v 9, and “be on your guard” in v 23 are the same Greek word meaning “watch.” It is a plural imperative so “You watch” is the literal translation.

Notice the phrase in v 7 “this must take place” demonstrating that even in the midst of wars and destruction God’s active supervision of the world is still going according to His plan.

In v 7 again, “the end is not yet,” discuss if this is referring to AD 70 or future end times. What fits the context the best? Does the timing of Mark’s writing impact your perspective?

In v 14, the “abomination of desolation” is taken from Daniel 9:27. The ESV correctly translates the phrase “standing where he ought not” as standing is a masculine singular verb. This seems to indicate that this activity refers to a person not a thing.

Questions:

Do you believe these events refer to AD 70 or a future end times? Why?

How does knowing God is sovereign orient our perspective when we see problems in the world?

What is encouraging for you from this passage of scripture?

In these verses, Jesus encounters a scribe who has a very serious and pointed question for him. Interestingly, Jesus answers this scribe from Deuteronomy and in a way that affirms the scribe's nearness to the Kingdom of God. Jesus then begins to ask the questions; his wisdom, insight, and authority are on full display. He then warns the people of the scribes and puts on display their hypocrisy in a case study of a widow giving all she had to live on to the temple treasury.

Jesus is often in the midst of many controversies; it seems to follow him around wherever he goes. In these 27 verses, Jesus is confronted with three separate questions designed to get him in trouble (and possibly destroyed). Listen in and be amazed as Jesus not only eludes but astounds his questioners and those observing with his answers.

Jesus acts in a way that may seem "uncharacteristic" of the gracious and loving savior we are accustomed to in this text. Far from sinning or even a shadow of doing something wrong, Jesus fulfills prophesy but making a whip and driving out money changers and those selling animals in the temple declaring "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations." What modern implications and applications can be drawn from this second half of chapter 11 of the book of Mark? Listen and find out.

The King of all creation arrives in Jerusalem headed to the temple of his heavenly Father, he comes to fulfill ancient prophesy and accomplish what no one expected. Amazingly, he comes in great humility and relatability. He rides on a borrowed animal (a young colt at that), on a makeshift saddle, on a freshly made road of branches, cloaks, and leaves, a green or "red carpet." Only to observe the dysfunctional religion of his day and pronounce a curse. Find out more about what this strange event in the life of Jesus means, listen in, and see.