| Course Outline |
|
|
Crucifixion was a common way of executing criminals in Biblical times. It was a cruel death involving intense suffering. But as we have seen, Jesus had done nothing to deserve the death penalty. In criminal terms, Pilate could find no basis for a charge. In terms of God’s justice, Jesus did not deserve to die. God had said “The soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:4), but Jesus was sinless, so his was the first (and only) undeserved death in history.
1. Read the account of Jesus’ death in Mark. Could the Jewish leaders find a reason to put Jesus to death? (Mark 14:55-57)
2. What did Pilate think was the real reason why the Jewish leaders wanted Jesus put to death? (Mark 16:10)
3. For what reason did Pilate have Jesus whipped and then crucified? (Mark 16:15)
4. What was the reaction of the crowd to Jesus as he was suffering? (Mark 15:29-32)
Did you notice something significant in their taunts in verse 31? It was true that if he was to save others, he could not save himself from going through this death.
5. What happened at the sixth hour (noon)? (Mark 15:33)
6. What did Jesus cry out at the ninth hour (3.00 pm)? (Mark 15:34). Compare this with other scriptures which speak of Jesus’ death (Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22-24). Why do you think Jesus felt the way he did?
7. What were the two immediate consequences of Jesus’ death? (Mark 15:37-39). The curtain in the Temple was the barrier that kept men out of what was called the Holy of Holies. Why do you think that curtain was ripped from top to bottom (ie. from heaven, not by men)?
8. Read Romans 3:19-26. Paul says that by the law we became conscious of our sin, we know we have done wrong. To whom does this apply? (Romans 3:23)
9. God wants to “justify” us. That means he wants to declare us to be legally righteous. How is he able to do that, knowing we are unrighteous (i.e. we have really sinned)? (Romans 3:24,25). Isaiah 53:4-6 explains how it works: Jesus suffered as a substitute taking our place.
10. What did God seek to demonstrate in the death of Jesus? (Romans 3:25,26).
The amazing thing is that God found a way to express his love for us (he wanted to save us), while at the same time he was able to uphold his justice. We really were guilty and deserved to die. He had given his law and had to keep his word about the serious consequences of sin. But the penalty was paid. Justice was satisfied. God’s holiness was not violated (Mark 15:34). And a way was opened up into the Holy of Holies (God’s presence) for people like us. Praise him!
|
|
