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Mark 16:1-8: Happy Easter!!

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. ² Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb ³ and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ ⁴ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. ⁵ As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ⁶ ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”’ ⁸ Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.“

It seems entirely appropriate that, in our consecutive reading of ‘Mark’, we should come on Christmas Day to a passage about the resurrection of Christ. I remember a time, a few years ago, when Christians often displayed a sticker in their car or on a house window at Christmas time, declaring: ‘He was born to die.’ That is certainly true. But we can go further and assert that He was not, however, born to stay dead. He was born to rise…and to live forevermore in the power of ‘’an indestructible life’’ ( Hebrews 7:16b).

On Christmas Day, as we celebrate the miracle of the incarnation, it is vital to look beyond the manger to the cross and empty tomb. We have to understand why Jesus was born.

‘’…you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins’’ (Matthew 1:21b).

This is the perfect time to see the link between Christmas and Easter. May we never lose sight of it.

Also, we can take heart that, as Max Lucado says, ‘He still moves stones’’ – and ‘’very large’’ ones (4) I might add.

 The birth of the Saviour was for the removal of sin.

Mark 15:42-47: Courage and kindness.

^“42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, ⁴³ Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. ⁴⁴ Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. ⁴⁵ When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. ⁴⁶ So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. ⁴⁷ Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.” NIV UK

Courage and kindness are two qualities which never fail to impress. They move us; touch our hearts; influence towards higher things. We inevitably feel the call of their example.

Joseph of Arimathea showed both in great measure. Don’t underestimate the guts it took for him as ‘’a prominent member of the council’’ – the council which had just had Jesus put to death – to identify so publicly with the Lord. When most of Jesus’ followers were not to be seen for dust, Joseph was there with this moving act of loving service. It was a courageous action. It certainly would have taken ‘boldness’ to approach the Roman governor and ask for Jesus’ body.

It was also a kind thing to do. We learn from elsewhere in the gospels that Joseph gave Jesus his own tomb.

Therefore, we can add that it was a costly thing to do:

• Potentially, costly to his reputation; his standing;
• But also, costly to his pocket. He ‘’bought some linen cloth’’ (46) with which to wrap Jesus’ body, and he gave Jesus the tomb he had prepared for himself, presumably at his own expense. (But he got it back didn’t he?!! Think Resurrection Sunday! He may have thought he was giving it to Jesus, but the Master only wanted to borrow it for a short interval).

Whenever we come to God, in Jesus’ Name, we can come ‘’boldly’’ (43). Joseph must have wondered what kind of response he would receive from a tough, high-ranking Roman. We need be in no doubt about the welcome awaiting us at the ‘’The throne of grace’’ (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Mark 15:53-41: Remove your shoes.

^“33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. ³⁴ And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).  ³⁵ When some of those standing near heard this, they said, ‘Listen, he’s calling Elijah.’  ³⁶ Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ‘Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,’ he said.  ³⁷ With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.  ³⁸ The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. ³⁹ And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’  ⁴⁰ Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,  and Salome. ⁴¹ In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.” NIV UK

A few years ago, in our church, we were doing a series on the cross. We asked an esteemed retired pastor to speak on Isaiah 53. He’s a much-loved, regular visitor; widely known and respected as a Bible teacher. He must have been well into his 80’s by this time. He’s been preaching for years. But he took our breath away when he said he had never before preached from the 53^rd chapter of Isaiah. He taught us something significant in his very admission of reticence. He showed us that we should revere God’s Word, and especially the central truth of the cross.

I don’t want to say anything about today’s passage, other than to ask that we ‘remove our shoes’, and stand with ‘’the centurion’’ (39) ‘’in front of Jesus’’, and allow this scene to impact us, as it did for him.

I will add, though, that we stand on holy ground. But we can also affirm that the way into the holiest place of all has been opened to us (38).

Mark 15:21-32: Change of heart

^“21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. ²² They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’). ²³ Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. ²⁴ And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. ²⁵ It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. ²⁶ The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews. ²⁷ They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. ²⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, ³⁰ come down from the cross and save yourself!’ ³¹ In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! ³² Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.’ Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.” NIV UK

‘’They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left…Those crucified with him also heaped insults on Him’’ (27, 32b).

But at some point during that day one of them had a change of heart and repented (Luke 23:42). This shows that people can change. It tells us that even those who are antagonistic towards Christ can have a rethink. Essentially, He asked Jesus to save Him, and Jesus did. But if the Lord had saved Himself, He would not have been able to save others (31). Jesus’ sufferings for us were undiluted (23).  In a sense, these two rebels represent the entire world, and we are one side or the other of the central cross; rejecting or accepting Jesus. On which side are you?

Mark 15: 16-20:Mockery

^“16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. ¹⁷ They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. ¹⁸ And they began to call out to him, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ ¹⁹ Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spat on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. ²⁰ And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”NIV UK

This treatment of Jesus, in which they mocked the notion of His Kingship, and acted out a parody of worship, actually serves to underline the truth that He is God and King. When we read: ‘’Then they led him out to crucify Him’’ (20), we know that they could only do it because He allowed them to. They would have had no power over Him, except it was given them from heaven. What restraint He showed. What humility. ‘He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free. He could have called ten thousand angels; but He died alone, for you and for me.’

Here is majestic dignity beyond all comprehension; here is humility beyond description or understanding.  We still hear echoes of this mocking laughter today, as the cynics and many in the intellectual elite pour scorn on our faith. It’s really Jesus they’re despising. But He stands above it all. It does not reduce the power and effectiveness of His cross one iota.

PRAYER: Thank you Jesus. Simply, thank you. I hardly know what else to say.

Mark: 15:1-15: The irrationality of unbelief.

“Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.  ² ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate.  ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.  ³ The chief priests accused him of many things. ⁴ So again Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’⁵ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. ⁶ Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. ⁷ A man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder in the uprising. ⁸ The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. ⁹ ‘Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate, ¹⁰ knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. ¹¹ But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to get Pilate to release Barabbas instead. ¹² ‘What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?’ Pilate asked them. ¹³ ‘Crucify him!’ they shouted. ¹⁴ ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ ¹⁵ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.“ NIV UK

It made no sense.                                                                                                                                   It made no sense to crucify an innocent Man – One who had only ever done good.              It made no sense to flog a guiltless Man. If Jesus was innocent (and it is clear from the gospel accounts that Pilate knew He was) why put Him through such a brutal whipping?It made no sense to release back into the community a notorious murderer and trouble causer. Why would you want Barabbas returned to the streets?

Why?                                                                                                                                                          It makes no sense.

The hatred of Christ, and also of Christians through the years, by and large makes no sense at all. It isn’t logical. But those who believe in a devil can see proof of his existence in such venomous, malevolent animosity. Once you believe that there is a being called Satan, then the light begins to dawn.The great hater and opponent of God saw an opportunity to get rid of Him. That backfired big time, so today, as He can’t touch Jesus, he goes after his people.

This passage also shows what damage ‘’envy’’ (10) and people-pleasing (15) will do in this world. Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but he desired to keep his job even more, and so he was prepared to treat Him abominably (15).

Today’s reading reminds us of words found in Isaiah 53:7:

‘’He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.’’

 Someone has pointed out that verse 12 presents us with an ‘Inescapable Question’. What will we do with Jesus? Will we reject Him, or accept Him?

Mark 14: 66-72: Missed chances

^“66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. ⁶⁷ When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.  ‘You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,’ she said.  ⁶⁸ But he denied it. ‘I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,’ he said, and went out into the entrance.  ⁶⁹ When the servant-girl saw him there, she said again to those standing round them, ‘This fellow is one of them.’ ⁷⁰ Again he denied it.  After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, ‘Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.’  ⁷¹ He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.’  ⁷² Immediately the cock crowed the second time.Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: ‘Before the cock crows twice you will disown me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.” NIV UK

During this Christmas, you may find yourself in a situation where the ball is at your feet, as it were, and you have an open goal mouth in front of you. Don’t boot the ball over the bar! Don’t miss a ‘sitter.’ I say this as one who regrets missed opportunities in the past.

I can’t look on Peter with a superior and critical attitude. I know how fear can turn you into a person you hardly recognise; the kind of person you never intended to be; never thought you would be. Peter had shown bravery to follow Jesus as far as he did. But now he smelled danger close by if he came clean about being a Christ follower.

We have to read these words in conjunction with some others found in earlier verses (28-31). Pride does go before a fall. Peter had been full of self-confidence. But Jesus’ word always proves true. He knows us better than we know ourselves. It is so easy to utter fine sounding words about our relationship with Jesus; words that just crumble in the face of a test or a crisis.

The story of the walking on the water tells Peter’s life story in picture form: hearing Jesus’ call-following -sinking (nearly drowning) – restoration. Thank God for the restoration bit. It gives hope to us all.

 Mark 14:55-65: ‘Worthy is the Lamb’

^“55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. ⁵⁶ Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. ⁵⁷ Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: ⁵⁸ ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.”’ ⁵⁹ Yet even then their testimony did not agree. ⁶⁰ Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’ ⁶¹ But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ ⁶² ‘I am,’ said Jesus. ‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ ⁶³ The high priest tore his clothes. ‘Why do we need any more witnesses?’ he asked. ⁶⁴ ‘You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?’ They all condemned him as worthy of death. ⁶⁵ Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, ‘Prophesy!’ And the guards took him and beat him.” NIV UK

‘There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin; He only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in.’

It is evident that there was no obvious reason to put Jesus to death (55-59). But the authorities had decided that they wanted Him out of the way. So they scraped around for something to charge Him with. However, it was all to no avail.

But when Jesus answered the question of (61b) in the affirmative (62), they knew they had Him. From His own lips Jesus had shown Himself to be a blasphemer. To say you are the Messiah when you are not the Messiah – well, that is blasphemy in the clearest terms. What more was needed? (63, 64a). They could get on with removing Him from the world.

However, Jesus was the Messiah. He is the Messiah. Therefore the use of the word ‘’worthy’’ in (64b) is ironic. Jesus was ‘’worthy’’ to die in ways they knew not. Only He, the perfect, spotless, Lamb of God is ‘’worthy’’ to take away ‘’the sin of the world’’ (John 1:29). He was certainly not ‘’worthy’’ of the treatment meted out on Him that day (65). Everyone else in that room deserved punishment from Him – for their sins. He did not deserve any punishment from them. He was sinless. But He was ‘’worthy’’ to bear their sins ‘’in his body on the tree’’ (1 Peter 2:24), and that is what He went on to do.

So we join in the song of heaven:

‘’You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you have purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation…Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!’’ (Revelation 5:9 and 12).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we want to say ‘thank you’ for what you went through for our sakes.

Mark 14: 53, 54: Check your pulse.

^“53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. ⁵⁴ Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. ” NIV UK

There are a number of ways to take your spiritual pulse. Today’s short passage throws up a couple of vital pulse-reading question:

• Are you following Jesus – but at a distance? Maybe, like Peter, you have gone further than other disciples you know. That notion may lull you into a false sense of confidence. You feel superior. You’ve done better (you think). But the real question is, Have you gone as far as you could? Or, are you keeping a safe distance between you and Jesus? You have shown bravery and courage in your following so far. Yet, still, you hang back from all the danger and risk involved in being very close to Jesus. You do count your life dear and you hold on to it.
• Are you warming yourself at the world’s fire? Bible Study and prayer are not the great delight of your life (if they ever were). At times this stuff bores you, if you’re honest. You don’t find excitement and adventure in a daily walk with God. You can’t say that you burst into the day, eager to meet your Lord afresh and hear what He has to say to you. Instead you find your comfort, diversion, ‘warmth’ at a worldly fireside. That’s where your real interest lies. These are the flames which mesmerise you with their glow.

Check your pulse!