Jesus' Burial

It must have seemed like a lost cause when Joseph of Arimethea asked for Jesus' body.

The guy is dead. Why go out of your way and risk your reputation after learning that Jesus appears no different than any other wannabe leader?

I suppose you could say that loyalty continues after death. But more importantly, if a goal is in God's will, there is no such thing as a lost cause.

Joseph's loyalty was rewarded three days later when Jesus rose from the dead.

Jesus In Charge

In Jesus' final moments, I'm struck by a small detail I've never noticed before.

Crucifixion made it difficult for people to breathe, yet in verse 37, Jesus "uttered a loud cry" and then died.

This reminds me that even when he appeared most helpless, Jesus was completely in charge of his fate.

Consider the Source

In verses 22-32, we read about Jesus' crucifixion.

The people who wanted to see him dead mocked him in his suffering.

Most telling is what the chief priests and scribes were saying:

He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!

They acknowledge the power Jesus exhibited in his previous miracles. But evidence is irrelevant once people have made up their minds.

Even if Jesus had come down from the cross, they would not have believed.

The next time you are criticized, persecuted, mocked, consider the source. Take courage from Jesus' example.

Jesus Mocked

In verses 16-21, Jesus is mocked as the "King of the Jews." In the midst of the hatred, the soldiers and religious leaders actually continue in the pattern of Jesus' other detractors. They state truth despite their sarcasm.

When do I speak truth in sarcasm? How much better off would I be to speak the same truth in love?

Trial by Mob

In verses 1-15, we see that even at the darkest time of Jesus' life, he is still well aware that nothing happens without God's permission.

Pilate believes that he's in charge, but everything that happens is a result of what was already written about in the OT.

How do we handle our trials by mob? We know that we will face difficulties to help us develop our perseverance and character.

Do I approach these situations with bitterness or with thankfulness? Do you, dear Reader?

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Outline of Mark 15

1. Jesus Tried by Pilate
   
2. Jesus Mocked by Soldiers
   
3. Jesus Crucified
   
4. "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?"
   
5. Jesus Buried by Joseph of Arimethea
   

Mark 15 Audio