Mark 15:33-47

In this week’s reading of the Gospel of Mark, Mark 15:33–47 describes the death and burial of Jesus. It captures key moments of profound spiritual and theological significance. This passage is a profound depiction of Jesus' sacrificial love, His fulfillment of God's plan, and the hope of salvation it brings to humanity. Here are the main points:

1. Darkness Over the Land (Verse 33)

• From the sixth hour (noon) to the ninth hour (3 p.m.), darkness covers the land.

• Significance: This symbolizes the weight of sin, God’s judgment, and the cosmic significance of Jesus' death.

2. Jesus Cries Out (Verse 34)

• At the ninth hour, Jesus cries, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”

• Significance: This echoes Psalm 22:1, expressing the depth of Jesus’ anguish as He bears the sin of the world, experiencing separation from God.

3. Misunderstanding Among the Bystanders (Verses 35–36)

• Some think Jesus is calling for Elijah. They offer Him wine vinegar to drink and watch to see if Elijah will rescue Him.

• Significance: This reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus’ words and mission. Instead of recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy, they continue to mock and question.

4. Jesus’ Death (Verse 37)

• Jesus lets out a loud cry and breathes His last.

• Significance: This shows that Jesus willingly gives up His life. His death is not an accident but a purposeful act of obedience and love.

5. The Temple Curtain is Torn (Verse 38)

• The curtain of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom.

• Significance: This symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting direct access to God through Jesus’ sacrifice.

6. The Centurion’s Declaration (Verse 39)

• A Roman centurion who witnesses Jesus’ death exclaims, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

• Significance: This is a powerful acknowledgment of Jesus’ identity, coming from a Gentile and one of His executioners.

7. The Presence of Faithful Women (Verses 40–41)

• Several women, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and Salome, watch from a distance.

• Significance: While most of the disciples have fled, these women remain faithful, witnessing Jesus’ death and later His resurrection.

8. Jesus’ Burial by Joseph of Arimathea (Verses 42–46)

• Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council who was waiting for the kingdom of God, courageously asks Pilate for Jesus’ body.

• Pilate confirms Jesus is dead, and Joseph buries Him in a tomb cut out of rock, wrapping His body in a linen cloth.

• Significance: Joseph’s actions fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which says the Messiah will be buried with the rich.

9. The Tomb is Sealed (Verse 47)

• Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observe where Jesus is laid.

• Significance: This detail ensures that the women know the exact location of Jesus’ tomb, confirming the truth of the resurrection when they return later.

The tearing of the temple curtain in Mark 15:38 is a powerful symbolic event that signifies the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new covenant through the sacrifice of Jesus. The curtain (or veil) in the Temple in Jerusalem separated the Holy of Holies—the innermost part of the Temple where God's presence was believed to dwell—from the rest of the Temple. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). This curtain represented the separation between God and humanity due to sin. No one, except the high priest, could approach God’s presence directly.

Mark 15:38 says, "The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." Torn from top to bottom: This detail emphasizes that the act was divinely initiated. It wasn't torn from the bottom (which would suggest human effort), but from the top, symbolizing that God Himself tore it apart, signifying a direct action from God to remove the barrier. The tearing of the curtain symbolizes that the way to God is now open to all people through Jesus Christ.

The death of Jesus on the cross is the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation. Jesus' body is the final and perfect sacrifice for sin, which removes the need for continual animal sacrifices. His death atones for humanity’s sins, reconciling people to God (Hebrews 10:19–20). Before Jesus' death, access to God's presence was limited and mediated by the high priest. Now, through Jesus’ sacrifice, all believers—Jew and Gentile alike—can approach God directly. Jesus becomes the new High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), and His death opens the way for everyone to have a personal relationship with God.

The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death symbolizes that, through Jesus' sacrificial death, God’s presence is now accessible to all who believe. The barrier of sin that once kept people from God has been removed, and all can now approach God directly in the new covenant established through Christ.

In God’s grip,

Pastor Chuck Church

If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give.  Amen.

Read: Mark 15:33-47

Questions to guide your thinking:

1. How do I understand the significance of Jesus’ cry, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?"

• Jesus' cry of abandonment highlights the depth of His suffering and the weight of sin He bore.

• Reflection: Do I grasp the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice for me? How does understanding His feeling of abandonment impact my relationship with Him?

2. What does the tearing of the temple curtain mean for my relationship with God?

• The curtain’s tearing symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.

• Reflection: Do I fully appreciate that, through Jesus, I have direct access to God? How do I approach God in prayer, worship, and daily life?

3. How do I respond to the example of the centurion, who declared Jesus as the Son of God?

• The centurion’s declaration after witnessing Jesus' death is a powerful acknowledgment of Jesus' identity.

• Reflection: Do I truly recognize Jesus as the Son of God and my Savior? How can I more boldly profess my faith in Jesus, especially in challenging situations?

4. How can I demonstrate the kind of faithfulness seen in the women who remained at the cross?

• The women remained faithful to Jesus even as others fled in fear.

• Reflection: How do I remain faithful in times of trial or difficulty? What can I do to support others in their faith when it’s hard to remain strong?

5. What does Joseph of Arimathea’s courage in asking for Jesus' body teach me about standing up for my faith?

• Joseph risked his position and reputation to honor Jesus by burying His body.

• Reflection: Am I willing to take bold steps to honor Jesus, even when it may cost me something significant? How can I live out my faith courageously, regardless of public opinion?