2020.04.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 15:24–38

Read Mark 15:24–38

Questions from the Scripture text: What were they doing with His clothes (Mark 15:24)? What was the charge against Him (Mark 15:26)? What does Mark 15:28 give as the explanation for the two robbers being crucified with Him? What did those who passed by do (Mark 15:29)? Who else blasphemed and mocked Him (Mark 15:31-32)? What happened for three hours (Mark 15:33)? What did Jesus say at the ninth hour (Mark 15:34)? What happened in Mark 15:37? And what happened to the veil of the temple (Mark 15:38)?

Next week’s Call to Worship, Prayer for Help, and Song of Adoration come from Mark 13:24–38 in order to sing God’s thoughts after Him with Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed.

Truly, Jesus was numbered with transgressors, and not just the robbers on His right and left. The irony is rich: soldiers casting lots beneath His cross for what they wanted, but He is hanging above them giving that which they need infinitely more.

The inscription above His cross said “King of the Jews,” which His enemies hated, but in reality the inscription told only part of the truth. The inscription could have read, “The Living and True God.” This is what brings three hours of dark (Mark 15:33) Simply astonishing.

Many pass by and blaspheme in Mark 15:29, whom He is saving by His blood above them, and whom He will bring to faith by His Spirit in several weeks at Pentecost. Then there are the priests, in Mark 15:31, from among whom many will be saved at the end of Acts 6.

The question of the text is on Jesus’s lips in Mark 15:34, “Why have You forsaken Me? And the answer is given from heaven to earth in Mark 15:38: to open the way to the Holy of Holies for sinners such as all of these! Sinners such as you, dear reader. The True and Living God went through literal Hell to grant entry into the Holy of Holies for selfish gamblers, ruthless robbers, and other mocking blasphemers who would come to believe in Him. Sinners like you. Astonishing.

Have you believed in Christ? What use are you making of access to the holy God?

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage?” or TPH341 “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed”