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Concluding the Book of Mark
Mark 16:17-20
Let's be honest. This passage is likely why many wonder if this should be included in Mark's gospel (see my explanation about this disputed text in last week’s post). Many of us see things like demons, tongues, invincibly picking up snakes, and drinking poison, and run the other way.
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Jesus’ Parting Words to the Disciples and Us
Mark 16:15-20
Before we jump into our final text of Mark, we have to address the notation in many of our Bibles suggesting that the final twelve verses might not be in the original text.
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The Case for the Resurrection: Part 2
Mark 16:1-14
Last week, we began looking at seven clues that lead to the legitimacy of the claim that Jesus rose from the dead – he was supernaturally resurrected, which is the most important event in human history, the event upon which Christianity hinges. Today, we’ll uncover the remaining clues found in Mark 16.
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The Case for the Resurrection: Part 1
Mark 16:1-14
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event in human history. If it occurred, God is real, Jesus is him, the Bible is true, heaven and hell are realities, and Jesus makes the difference on whether you go to one or the other.
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3 (More) Reasons Jesus Was Crucified
Mark 15:16-47
Last week, we studied three reasons from Mark 15 that Jesus was crucified: to fulfill God’s plan, to save us, and to consume our darkness. Today, we will continue looking at three more.
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3 Reasons Jesus Was Crucified
Mark 15:16-47
In our passage today, we will observe "Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2), a stunning event. Christianity is not centered upon tenets, doctrines, beliefs, or behaviors but on the events of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. These events lead to tenets, doctrines, beliefs, and behaviors, but the events are the starting place. Without Jesus' cross, there is no Christianity. Without his resurrection, there is no hope.
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God's Plans Will Succeed
Mark 15:1-15
In our final movement of Jesus’ trials by the Jews, the religious leaders had to pawn Jesus off on Pilate. Rome did not allow the Jews to execute people, so the Sanhedrin needed to bring a charge against Jesus to Pilate. So, early on Friday morning, they delivered Jesus to this Roman prefect.
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God Can Help Us Be Faithful
Mark 14:66-72
This second movement of the events of the cross takes us back to Peter. Jesus had shown Peter a prophecy from Zechariah that indicated Peter would scatter from him that very night (14:27). Peter didn't like it and told Jesus he would die before denying him. But Jesus told him he'd deny Him three times before the rooster crowed twice (14:30). This episode shows us the fulfillment of that prediction.
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God Must Open Eyes
Mark 14:53-65
Our previous passage led us to Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. All his disciples fled from him (50). Jesus was left with only his captors, and here we learn they took him directly, in the dead of night, to the high priest.
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The Ineffective Disciples
Mark 14:27-52
Last week, we saw how Jesus was the hero of this passage. We should also take note of the disciples. They were ineffective. The passage begins with them declaring they will never deny Jesus, and it ends with all of them, even an unnamed-linenless-dude, running away from Jesus.
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