And when the centurion, who stood facing [Jesus], saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39
I continue my study of Mark, focusing on Mark 15:33-41.
Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method:
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: In the midst of darkness that covered the whole land, Jesus cries out to the Father, asking why has He forsaken the Son -vv33-34. This feeling of being forsaken is understandable, yet we would expect this to be a temporary state of mind of course because we know that Jesus will rise and ascend to Heaven (see also Acts 1:9-11 and Luke 24:51). Jesus continues to be mocked right up until He dies - v36 - He does not save Himself although He has the power to do so, He faithfully submits to the Father's will - v37.
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: There will always be those who mock Jesus as done in v36. Based upon the darkness that befell the whole land and the tearing of the temple curtain vv33, 38, and what we know from the other gospels (Matthew 27:51-54) - earthquake, raising of dead, etc., the centurion accurately states that Jesus is the Son of God - v39. It is implied this centurion becomes a believer. Mary Magdelene, Mary mother of Jesus, and other women - those who loved and ministered to Jesus during His time in ministry observe the crucifixion - v40-41. These women were certainly devastated by Jesus' death on the cross. They followed and served (and were at His feet literally as He hung from the cross) Jesus through what they thought was the end, yet we know that this was not the end.
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should not question who Jesus is nor mock Him. Today, many question and mock Jesus and even threaten harm (sometimes physical) - yet we must remain steadfast in our faith and continue to share the gospel. We should follow Jesus without fear of reprisal - run the race until the end (our physical death) (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves! You loved and saved me while I was still an enemy and hostile to You...thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and the greatest gift of all time. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
