Glory to Golgotha #2

The Cross Speaks: Four Calls from Calvary

Text: Mark 15:33-47

Mark 15:33–47 CSB

33 When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” 35 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “See, he’s calling for Elijah.” 36 Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a stick, offered him a drink, and said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down.” 37 Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40 There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women followed him and took care of him. Many other women had come up with him to Jerusalem. 42 When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. 44 Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had already died. 45 When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. 46 After he bought some linen cloth, Joseph took him down and wrapped him in the linen. Then he laid him in a tomb cut out of the rock and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where he was laid.

Theme:The crucifixion of Jesus calls us to confront our sin, come to God, confess Christ, and commit to faithfulness.

The theme of Mark 15:33-47 centers on the power of the cross and the death and burial of Jesus Christ. This passage marks the climax of Mark's Passion Narrative, describing Jesus' final moments on the cross and the events immediately following His death[1][2]. The text highlights several significant elements: the supernatural darkness that fell over the land from noon to 3 PM, symbolizing God's judgment on sin[3]; Jesus' cry of "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" which expresses His sense of abandonment[3]; and the various responses to His death, including the softening of hard hearts and the transformation of fearful disciples into courageous followers[1]. The passage also includes the account of Jesus' burial, serving as a transition between His crucifixion and the announcement of His resurrection[2][4]. Throughout this section, Mark emphasizes the theological significance of Jesus' death as the Son of God and its atoning nature[2].

[1] Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Mark, vol. 3, Expository Reflections on the Gospels (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2024), 501. [2] Mark L. Strauss, Mark, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 698. [3] John D. Grassmick, “Mark,”in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 189. [4] Ron Rhodes, 90 Days through the New Testament in Chronological Order: *helpful Timeline *powerful Insights *personal Application (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2015), 193.

I. Confront Your Sin – Recognize the Weight of Christ’s Suffering (vv. 33-34)

 ἐγκαταλείπω (egkataleipō) – “to forsake, abandon”

Jesus carried the full weight of our sin, enduring separation from the Father so we could be saved.

“My God, My God, why have You abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34, CSB)

Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.”

We must confront our sin and recognize the cost of our salvation.

II. Come to God – Receive the Access Secured by Christ (v. 38)

καταπέτασμα (katapetasma) – “veil, curtain”

Jesus cleared the way for us to approach God directly, removing all barriers.

“Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mark 15:38, CSB)

Hebrews 10:19-20 – “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh).”

We must come to God in faith, trusting in Christ as our mediator.

III. Confess Christ – Boldly Proclaim Jesus as the Son of God (v. 39)

υἱὸς θεοῦ (huios Theou) – “Son of God”

The centurion confessed Christ’s divine identity in the midst of opposition.

“Truly this man was the Son of God!”(Mark 15:39, CSB)

Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

We must confess Christ courageously.

IV. Commit to Faithfulness – Stand Firm in Loyalty to Christ (vv. 40-47)

θαρρέω (tharreō) – “to be bold, courageous”

The women and Joseph of Arimathea continued in faithfulness, even when others fled.

“Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome were watching from a distance.”(Mark 15:40, CSB)

“Joseph of Arimathea… took courage and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.” (Mark 15:43, CSB)

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

We must commit to faithfulness, standing for Christ even when it is difficult.