Mark 15:33–41

Forsaken by the Father (vv. 33-36)

The darkness over the whole land was a picture of the judgement of God (much like in Egypt - Ex. 10:21-22)

This was not a solar eclipse (impossible at the time of the lunar cycle), but a supernatural manifestation from God

Jesus being forsaken by the father is notable and important for several reasons

For one, the extreme loneliness of Christ’s suffering is continued and climaxed on the cross

He was forsaken by His people, Judas, His followers, and even His Father

He suffered and died alone so that you and I don’t have to -> the victory He won He did so alone, that our faith might be in Him!

This was also a quotation/fulfillment of scripture and a foreshadowing of the deliverance that would come (Ps. 22:1-21)

This insight into the sufferings of Jesus is crushing

They evidently misunderstood Jesus, thinking He called for Elijah -> likely a misunderstanding due to the Aramaic/Hebrew He spoke (probably Hebrew)

Tradition held that Elijah would return (they just did not realize it was in the form of John the Baptist), so this was understandable

The sour wine (cheap wine/vinegar) being given to Jesus was also a fulfillment of prophecy (Ps. 69:21)

The Torn Veil (vv. 37-38)

Jesus gave up the ghost -> He voluntarily allowed the life to leave Him, having accomplished all necessary work (Jn. 19:30)

The tearing of the veil is among the most theologically important supernatural signs from God

The tearing of the veil marked the finality of the old covenant and establishment of the new

In so doing, it established Jesus as the mediator of it, as His work tore the veil

The new covenant allows direct access to God through Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:19-22)

The tearing of the veil was from top to bottom -> the invitation was initiated and carried out by God, not us

Mankind did not make a way to God, but rather God made a way to God (1 Pet. 3:18)

Truly the Son of God (v. 39)

We know very little of the Roman Centurion and the validity of this confession (or even exactly what he intended)

Nevertheless, we do see an unlikely statement and a beautiful glimpse into the future

By simple observation of events that had nothing to do with his own culture or upbringing, this man saw that Christ was different

Whether he simply thought him a righteous man or God in the flesh, Jesus was clearly not the criminal He was treated as

This Roman soldier serves as a representative of the billions of gentiles that would trust in Christ before the cross

The Women Who Followed (vv. 40-41)

In an ideal world, men are the spiritual leaders and women follow -> we shamefully do not live in an ideal world

Where the men abandoned Jesus, these women did not

When such is the case, there is still a valuable role for women to play

God’s usage of women (both scripturally and personally) is well documented

Those of Rom. 16, Rahab, Ruth, Esther, Hannah, etc.

Those often overlooked and underappreciated are still saints, and deserve encouragement as such!

These in particular serve as eyewitnesses to the crucifixion, which is an extremely important role!

It is no wonder why they were the ones He first revealed Himself to after the resurrection (not to mention the fact they were still serving Him!)