June 28, 2016

FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH

Mark 15:21–41

Kristen Lienau
Tuesday's Devo

June 28, 2016

Tuesday's Devo

June 28, 2016

Central Truth

The crucifixion in Mark 15 may seem tragic, but there's more to the story. When the curtain was torn, it symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and sinful humanity. We are no longer on the outside looking in. Jesus has made a way for us!

Key Verse | Mark 15:38

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Mark 15:38)       

Mark 15:21–41

The Crucifixion

21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour 1 15:25 That is, 9 a.m. when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 2 15:27 Some manuscripts insert verse 28: And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, He was numbered with the transgressors 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

The Death of Jesus

33 And when the sixth hour 3 15:33 That is, noon had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 4 15:33 That is, 3 p.m. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he 5 15:39 Some manuscripts insert cried out and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son 6 15:39 Or a son of God!”

40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

Footnotes

[1] 15:25 That is, 9 a.m.
[2] 15:27 Some manuscripts insert verse 28: And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “He was numbered with the transgressors”
[3] 15:33 That is, noon
[4] 15:33 That is, 3 p.m.
[5] 15:39 Some manuscripts insert cried out and
[6] 15:39 Or a son

Dive Deeper | Mark 15:21–41

Can you imagine a more heartbreaking scene than the crucifixion? Jesus is beaten, mocked, and hung on a cross for all to see and ridicule. Darkness sweeps in, and He cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (verse 34). Then Jesus, the Light of the World, breathes His last breath and dies. What a tragic end to the beautiful story of hope we read in the Gospels. 

Except it’s not the end. And it’s not tragic. What appears to be a tragedy is actually our ultimate triumph!

In Mark's account of the crucifixion, there’s one verse in particular that hints that this story isn't a tragedy. Mark notes that when Jesus died, "the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom" (verse 38). On the surface this seems like a strange and unnecessary detail to include. However, it has massive theological implications; implications that are cause for celebration!

For centuries, the curtain of the temple had served as a reminder that sin separates all of us from having a relationship with God. The curtain was a physical barrier that kept people out of the Most Holy Place where God’s presence dwelled. Only the high priest was allowed to go beyond the curtain once a year and to offer to God a sacrifice for the assembly of Israel, as well as for himself and his house.

When Jesus died, that curtain was torn! Not only that, but it was torn from top to bottom, signifying that God was the one doing the tearing. Jesus, through His death, paid for our sins and removed the barriers that separate us from God. Now, "we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19, NIV). We can have a relationship with God!

When Jesus breathed His last breath, it was finished . . . and it was also the beginning—the beginning of a new kind of relationship. The curtain was torn! The barriers have been removed! Through Jesus everyone can have access to God!

This isn’t just good news—it’s an invitation. How will you respond? 

Discussion Questions

1. The centurion who witnessed the crucifixion responded with belief. How have you responded? (Romans 10:9 says, "[I]f you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.")

2. Read Leviticus 16 and reflect on what it must have been like to depend on priests and offerings for maintaining your relationship with God. How does the fact that the curtain was torn turn the story of the crucifixion from tragic to triumphant?

3. Are there any barriers you have erected in your life that make you feel unworthy to approach God or make God feel distant? Remember, Jesus died to bring those barriers down! Take time today to do what Hebrews 4:16 says: "[W]ith confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that [you] may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."