Mark 16

Mark 16

Well, we bring this book study to a close. The 16th chapter of Mark is one where it seems like Mark just kinda said, "Ah,.... the end!" Almost as if it was a throw away, nice tidy way to finish.

However, if you read thoroughly, you will see some heavy words in there. The resurrection is depicted in greater detail by other gospels, but Mark (in typical fashion) gives the facts; just the facts.

It always interested me that Jesus chose to reveal the resurrection through a woman. I don't necessarily have any profound theology statement about this, but I do have some thoughts. What are yours? I'll answer your posts as I read them. Next, I'm saddened by the Disciple's negligence in believing what they had been told, that Jesus was indeed resurrected. These are people who walked with Him for three years, saw the miracles He did, knew He was God in the flesh, called Him LORD, and yet, still let their fears and sinful, wicked hearts convince them that it was all over; that Jesus was just dead and gone. It makes me think: how have I denied Him? How weak is my faith at times? This is a sin that we cannot afford to commit, let alone become habitual. We need to be in prayer for each other and ourselves that we would not fall prey to the doubts and fears that creep up in us, that would keep us from preaching the Gospel to those whom God brings into our folds.

I know this book has been long and arduous, but it has definitely been well worth it. I think we will do some stand alone posts over the next few weeks, and then maybe get back into another book. Let me know your thoughts.

Love you all,

Robbie

Mark 15

Mark 15


This is a hard chapter to read as it details the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. We would rather skim over the chapter without really engaging in what the people did and said to Jesus. None of us likes to think about being spit on, beaten, mocked, having a crown of thorns pierced into our heads or can even comprehend hanging on a cross. Would we have walked through this process as humbly as Jesus did? Because we haven’t met Jesus face to face, it’s hard to get a visual of what it was like. But, imagine someone close to you like your spouse or a parent or one of your children and having to endure watching them go through that. How horrible it must have been for our God to watch Jesus endure a death He didn’t deserve to redeem us from a death that we do deserve.
I was also impacted by God’s sovereignty and plan in this chapter. He has foretold of Jesus since the beginning (see Genesis 3:15). God doesn’t do things recklessly or without forethought. He has a plan that cannot be thwarted by anything we do or by any evil that exists. And, while things happen that we can’t fathom, we can be comforted that He understands why they are happening and that ultimately He will use it for our good (Romans 8:28) and His Glory (Isaiah 46: 9-10). He used Jesus’ crucifixion for our good in that He saved us from sin and for His Glory in that he proved that He was God by creating freedom to worship Him through the tearing of the temple veil and in literally raising Jesus from the dead on the third day. He is always true to what He says.
What thoughts do you have on this chapter?

-Miranda