The crucifixion and resurrection

Jesus before Pilate (Mark 15:1-15)

Jesus is crucified (Mark 15:16-37)

    Much could be said about the events in these verses, but I just want you to read them and think to yourself, he did it for me. I remember the words of an old song I used to sing.

               I'm the one to blame.
               I caused all his pain.
               He gave himself
               The day he wore my crown.

    Even if you have already read it, read it again and think, he did it for me.

The events following his death (Mark 15:38-47)

    The veil was the dividing wall between God's holiness and the sinfulness of man. Only the high priest could go past the veil, and that only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The veil being torn from top to bottom (That is by God in verse 38), was the announcement that God's presence and holiness can be entered by anyone who is willing to come through the death of Jesus Christ.
    The centurion's announcement that Jesus truly was the Son of God (39), shows us the powerful witness the crucifixion was to anyone who had an open heart and it still is today.
    The burial (40-47) must have seemed so final. If only they could have realized that the most important event in the history of mankind was only three days away.

The resurrection (Mark 16:1-14)

    We see the doubt of the disciples and wonder how they could not have understood after he told them clearly so many times about these events. How could they have doubted after they saw so much of his power and miracles, and yet they did. It makes me wonder how we can so easily accept the reality that the event of the resurrection actually took place, but then doubt the power that it brings to us. Once they understood that he really had risen they were changed individuals and walked in his amazing power.

The Great Commission (Mark 16:15)

    Like most of what Mark wrote about, his rendering of the commission is very short and concise, and yet it tells us exactly what we need to do. It is my goal to get the gospel to every individual in our city and to lock arms with missionaries to achieve the same goal around the world.

Closing words (Mark 16:16-20)