The Death and Resurrection of the Messiah

• Crucifixion
  1. Mark 15:21-32
• Death
  1. Mark 15:33-41
• Burial
  1. Mark 15:42-47
• Resurrection
  1. Mark 16:1-8

Reflection Questions:

All three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) record Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry Jesus’ cross (Matt. 27:32; Luke 23:26). John’s gospel says that Jesus carried his own cross. How might John’s gospel be reconciled with the synoptic gospels?

We don’t know much about Simon of Cyrene. Mark tells us that he is the father of Alexander and Rufus. Since Mark mentions the names of Simon’s sons, it can be assumed that they are known to the church or churches to whom Mark is writing. If the Rufus identified here is the same as the Rufus whom Paul mentions in Romans 16:13, what might that indicate about Mark’s intended audience?

Jesus is brought to Golgotha. Mark interprets this for his readers as “the Place of the Skull.” The Latin Vulgate gives us the term Calvariae locus, or “Place of the Skull” from which we get the name Calvary. The reason for the name is uncertain. Many speculative interpretations have been put forward, such as the place was associated with death through crucifixion or that the place was a hill that resembled a skull. What benefit does Mark’s record of the location of Jesus’ crucifixion hold for Christians in the 21 century if we are uncertain of the exact location?

Mark doesn’t go into great detail about the sufferings of Jesus. Mark’s primary emphasis is on the mocking of the soldiers, the crowd, and the chief priests. When it comes to crucifixion, Mark simply reports that they crucified Jesus. Death by crucifixion was excruciating. There were a number of ways in which a crucified person experienced death including bleeding, exposure, exhaustion, and asphyxiation. Mark avoids these details. Crucifixion was a shameful way to die. Even mentioning it in polite company was taboo. Why do you think Mark refrains from elaborating on the details of Jesus’ suffering and death?

Jesus has a reputation of knowing scripture. In answer to the mocking from the soldiers, the crowd, the priests, ed even those who were crucified with him, Jesus quotes from Psalm 22. Some interpret this as though Jesus and octrayed. Others interpret these words along with the darkness as though God had turned his back on Jesus, but if Jesus quotes scripture verbatim what might that indicate about his mindset? Psalm 22 is a lament psalm but begins with a picture of abandonment but ends with vindication. How might this be an answer to those mocking him?

What are some actions the empty tomb ought to motivate believers to take today? How would you describe the way you are living in light of Jesus’ resurrection?