Dr. Dave Whitaker | Mark 15:33-39
Our judgment day occurred on the cross. Jesus endured all the shame, pain and loss we deserved. He experienced ultimate separation from God on the cross so that we would never know the wrenching pain of being abandoned. It was a day of great darkness... disorienting and disintegrating. As long as we continue to put something else in the center of our lives to bring us identity, purpose and intimacy, we will continue to walk in darkness.
Download or listen to Jesus' Death to hear more.
These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.
- What is your take away from this message?
- What ironies do you see in the places occupied by the robbers (see 10:37)? In the call for Jesus to save himself by coming down from the cross? In the officially posted reason for Jesus' death?
- What aspect of the crucifixion do you think was worst for Jesus? Physical pain? Being forsaken by God? Why?
- How can 2 Corinthians 5:21 help us to understand this darkness and forsaking of Jesus by God?
- How are the cry of Jesus (v. 34; Psalm 22:1), the tearing of the temple curtain (v. 38; Hebrews 10:19-22), and the faith of the centurion (v. 39) all related?
- What do you learn about Joseph (vv. 43-46)? What risks does a man of his status take by this action?
- What is significant about the centurion's confirmation of Jesus' death? About the eyewitnesses of His burial (Matthew 28:11-15)?
- Read Isaiah 53:12. How would you paraphrase it to explain what Jesus' death was all about?
- What curtain do you feel still separates you from God? How does Jesus' death relate to that?
- Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study and what steps in response He might want you to take.
