Jesus And The Cross In Mark Series

Mark 15:34-37 Jesus and the Cross in Mark

Introduction:

According to Mark, the "theology of the cross" (theologia crucis) is the only way to achieve glory by way of rejection and the cross as explained in the divine parabola in Philippians 2:5 by Apostle Paul.

Mark is silent about the physical agony, torture, and issues faced by Jesus on the Cross. Mark likely was following the standard historiographical literary style of his day. The Romans intentionally crucified the worst criminals and political dissidents in the most highly trafficked areas of their cities, in a terrified manner. It is probable that nearly every person in the Roman empire had witnessed these gruesome executions at least once, and many on multiple occasions. Victims of crucifixion typically died by choking. Suspended from the arms, the weight of the victim’s body severely impeded the ability to draw in air. Sometimes the executioners heartlessly provided the torturous ordeal until starvation or mutilation by wild animals brought an end to the suffering after several agonizing days.

Observations:

The Way: Mark 1:2 quotes Isaiah 40:3 regarding the way of the cross of Jesus. it was prepared by God and preached by John the Baptist. Mark identifies the way leads to Jerusalem, where Jesus will be crucified. Mark uses the word way with increased frequency in Mark 8:27– 10:32. The disciples argued while they were on the way. The next use of the way is in Mark 10:17: “As Jesus started on his way.” Most importantly, Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the way to Mark 10:52, which is a metaphor for the Cross. While disciples have failed to grasp the realities of discipleship, Bartimaeus has.

The institution of Holy Communion: Jesus shares the promised cup of wine which is the blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many, at the Messianic Banquet (Mark 14.23-24).

The Cross: Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2) He surrendered his mortal body according to John 10:18, JUST AS HE HAD PROPHESIED: “No one takes [my life] away from me, but I lay it down of my own free will...” The cross is not a religious symbol but an instrument of death. And "taking it up" requires the death of self, all personal ambition, and any form of selfish attainment, no matter how noble it may seem to others. According to Augustine, “The Lord has established his sovereignty from a tree. Who is it who fights with wood? Christ. From his cross, he has conquered kings.” Martin Luther said two ideas on the Cross that ‘Christ should be the King of Kings and that He should also suffer and be executed.’

The Loud Voice: We hear the cry of Jesus with a loud voice on what appears to be two separate occasions, both of which deliver a powerful theological punch. My God! My God! Why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Jesus’ cry is unintelligible. Mark simply reports: “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last” (Mark 15:37).

The Veil: Immediately after Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn into two from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). This veil was the barrier between the main area of the temple and the Holy of Holies, where the Lord visits (Exodus 26:33). The High priest entered only once in a year where the mercy seat was placed (Exodus 25:22). Now it is accessible to all people because of Jesus’s death.

The Kingdom of God: Jesus announced that the Kingdom of God has arrived (Mark 1.14-15), and he demonstrated it powerfully in word and in deed. Jesus invited all to participate in it precisely by picking up their cross, denying themselves, and following after him (Mark 8.34). Pick it up, deny yourself, and hang on it, and you will participate in God’s reign (ßas??e?a) forever (Mark 8.34-38). Jesus had vested, crowned, saluted, and enthroned as King precisely on the cross, having been lifted up and acclaimed there as King for everyone to see. The cross is Christ’s good news.

Mark’s account of the crucifixion is filled with royal imagery. Jesus is given a purple robe, a scepter in his hand, and a crown of thorns on his head (Mark 15:17). Even as Jesus hangs on the cross, the sign above his head reads, “The King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26). Mark is showing through irony that the one mocked as king truly is king. Jesus is king on the cross: forgiving sin, defeating evil, and establishing God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

The results of Jesus’s death: The torn veil, the confession of the Centurion as Jesus as the Son of God, and the women assuming their new roles and responsibilities indicate that they were previously restricted but now are available to all. Namely, the divine presence, knowledge, and ministry is now available to all.