Fulfilled Prophecy and the Cross

Fulfilled Prophecy and the Cross (Mark 15)

Introduction

Mark 15 is not just history — it is prophecy fulfilled and application for us today.

Every detail proves that God’s Word is perfect, that Jesus is the Messiah, and that His suffering was for us.

We see not only prophecy but irony, judgment, hope, and grace.

Main Point 1: Barabbas Released — Our Substitution

Mark 15:6–15 — Barabbas, guilty, goes free. Jesus, innocent, goes to the cross.

Prophecy Aside: Isa. 53:3 — “He was despised and rejected by men.”

Application: We are Barabbas. We are the guilty ones. But Jesus took our place. He bore the cross that rightfully belonged to us. This is the gospel — the innocent condemned for the guilty.

Main Point 2: Mocking, Rumors, and Rejection

Mark 15:16–20, 29–32 — Soldiers mocked Him, leaders twisted His words, onlookers demanded He “save Himself.”

Prophecy Asides: Isa. 50:6; Ps. 22:7–8.

Application:

Mocking: They mocked Him to His face, just as people mock Him today. But He died even for mockers. Our calling is to pray for those who scorn Him.

Rumors: They spread lies about the temple — the same happens today. People reject not the true Jesus, but a “made-up Jesus” built on rumors. And just like Christ, we can take the high road, praying for them.

Save Yourself: They missed the whole reason He came. He couldn’t save Himself and save us at the same time. Many today know the Bible but twist it until Jesus doesn’t fit their box — and when He doesn’t, they reject Him.

Main Point 3: Darkness and the Torn Veil — Judgment and Salvation

Mark 15:33, 38 — Darkness covers the land; veil is torn.

Prophecy Aside: Amos 8:9 — “I will make the sun go down at noon.”

Extended Scripture Connections: Deut. 28:29; Isa. 13:9–10; 24:23; Jer. 4:28; 13:16; 15:9; Ezek. 32:7–8; Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15; Zeph. 1:15; Rev. 6:12.

Application:

This wasn’t an eclipse — it was supernatural judgment. God’s wrath poured out for sin and for Israel’s rejection of the Messiah.

At the same moment, the veil was torn in two. Darkness declared judgment, but the torn veil declared salvation. Wrath and mercy met at the cross.

Main Point 4: The Cry from Psalm 22 — From Lament to Victory

Mark 15:34 — “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Prophecy Aside: Psalm 22:1.

Teaching: Jesus was not truly abandoned by the Father. He quoted a psalm that begins in lament but ends in triumph:

Ps. 22:27–31 — “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD… it shall be told to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.”

Application: His cry pointed to victory. Even the “yet unborn” — that’s us — were included in the blessing of His suffering. His cry was not despair but hope: the salvation He secured proves the Bible true, secures our redemption, and ensures His righteousness will be proclaimed to every generation.

Main Point 5: The Soldiers’ Mock Bowing — Every Knee Will Bow

Mark 15:19–20 — Soldiers bowed in false homage.

Foreshadowed Fulfillment: Isa. 45:23; Phil. 2:10–11.

Application:

Their mock bowing was a picture of the future: one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord.

For many, it will be too late. As Paul says, “God is not mocked” (Gal. 6:7–8). Those who scorn Him sow destruction.

But even for the mockers, Jesus died. That’s grace.

Supporting Prophecies as Asides

(These strengthen Scripture but are not the main applications)

Divided garments — Ps. 22:18 (Mark 15:24).

Crucified among criminals — Isa. 53:12 (Mark 15:27–28).

Sour wine — Ps. 69:21 (Mark 15:36).

No broken bones, pierced — Ps. 34:20; Zech. 12:10 (Mark 15:37–39).

Buried in a rich man’s tomb — Isa. 53:9 (Mark 15:42–46).

Note: Every one of these details shows that God’s Word never fails.

Conclusion & Gospel Appeal

Every detail of Mark 15 proves God’s Word is true.

Every moment of Jesus’ suffering was for us — in our place, under our judgment, to open the way to God.

We are Barabbas. We are the mockers. We are the guilty.

But because of Jesus, the veil is torn. Salvation is open.

Call: Will you bow to Him now in faith and salvation, or bow later in judgment too late?