The Gospel of Mark #37 - The Passion of Christ

The Gospel of Mark #37:

The Passion of Christ

Text: Mark 14:27-15:39

Thesis: To examine Jesus’ sacrifice in order to encourage us to faithfulness to Him.

Introduction:

(1)   The Cross is THE symbol of Christianity.

(2)   As we read this crucifixion account, please keep in the back of your mind that Jesus went through all of this for YOU!

Discussion:

I.                   The Story:

A.    In 14:27-31, Jesus foretold about Peter’s denial and the apostles abandonment.

1.      In verse 27, Jesus quoted Zechariah 13:7, which “speaks of a necessity which leads to redemption” (Lane 511).

2.      In verse 28, Jesus “assured them that He would meet them again in Galilee after His resurrection” (Wiersbe 1:161).

3.      “The profession of loyalty made by Peter and his companions, however, only serves to heighten the completeness of their failure in the impending hour of crisis” (Lane 512).

B.     In 14:32-42, Jesus and three of the apostles went into the Garden of Gethsemane in order for Jesus to pray concerning the upcoming events.

1.      ‘Gethsemane’ literally means “oil press.”  This garden was “a walled orchard on the side of the Mount of Olives and contained its own olive press” (Hughes 2:166).

2.      “Hour and cup are used metaphorically for the final agony of crucifixion” (Williamson 260).

3.      “His prayer was not to do something other than the Father’s will, but he did pray that if there was a possibility of fulfilling his Messianic mission without the Cross, he would opt for that” (Hughes 2:167).

4.      During the prayer, Luke observed that Jesus’ sweat was as blood, which may refer to a medical condition known as hemohidrosis in which “the capillaries in the forehead hemorrhage into the sweat glands and a bloody fluid exudes from the skin” (Roper 2:447).

5.      The disciples fell asleep three times during this occasion.

C.     In 14:43-52, Judas betrayed Jesus and the guards arrest Jesus.

1.      Judas and the temple police (cf. Luke 15:22) with some Roman soldiers (cf. John 18:3) approached Jesus in the garden.

2.      “When Judas approaches Jesus he kisses him not with modesty and reserve, but lavishly, even passionately, according to the Gk. kataphilein” (Edwards 438).

3.      As the guards started to arrest Jesus, Peter cut off the ear of Malchus.

4.      Then, the apostles fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy and forsook Him.

5.      Note: Some believe that John Mark is the young man of vv. 51-52.

D.    In 14:53-65, Jesus is “tried” before the Sanhedrin.

1.      “The Jewish trial was opened by Annas, the former high priest (John 18:13-14). It then moved to the full council to hear witnesses (Mark 14:53-65), and then to an early morning session for the final vote of condemnation (Mark 15:1)” (Wiersbe 1:162).

2.      The high priest at this time was Caiaphas (cf. Matt. 26:57).

3.      “The silence of Jesus fulfilled Ps 38:13-14 and especially Isa. 53:7” (Brooks 242).

4.      In verse 62, Jesus broke the silence and affirmed His Messiahship.

-          “This saying combines allusions to Ps. 110:1 and Dan. 7:13 in a way that could refer to the resurrection, to the Parousia, or to both” (Williamson 266).

5.      ‘Blasphemy’ was “the audacity to ascribe God’s honor to oneself, or to equate oneself with God” (Edwards 449).

E.     In 14:66-72, Peter denied Jesus three times.

-          “Peter’s unfaithfulness to the person of Jesus expressed anxiety for his own safety and the determination to seek approval from the bystanders rather than from the Lord” (Lane 542).

F.      In 15:1-15, Jesus is tried before Pilate and condemned to death.

1.      “Jesus was then sent to Pilate (Mark 15:1-5; John 18:28-38), who sent Him to Herod (Luke 23:6-12), who returned Him to Pilate (Mark 15:6-15; John 18:39-19:6)” (Wiersbe 1:162).

2.      After Jesus was brought to Pilate the second time, Pilate agreed to chastise Jesus hoping that this would appease the crowd (cf. Luke 23:13-16; John 19:17).

3.      As Pilate attempted to release Jesus through his custom of releasing a prisoner at the feast, the crowd choose Barabbas to be released and demanded Jesus to be crucified.

4.      Pilate gave in and ordered Jesus to be crucified.

G.    In 15:16-39, Jesus is crucified and dies for our sins.

1.      In verses 16-20, the soldiers mocked Jesus and placed a crown of thorns upon His head.

2.      In verse 21, Simon a Cyrenian is made to help Jesus carry His cross.

3.      Jesus is then crucified at the 3rd hour (9 A.M.).

4.      Darkness fell upon the land at the 6th hour (12 P.M.).

5.      Jesus died at the 9th hour (3 P.M.).

6.      The centurion then declared: “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

II.                The Application:

Jesus is the Son of God and He died for your sins.

Conclusion:

(1)   His precious blood was shed for your sins.

(2)   Therefore, will you come to Jesus and have your sins washed away?