Seeing Salvation
Isn’t it ironic. Through what appears to be a dramatic failure, Jesus achieved victory over every power raised against him. Through experiencing death, Jesus provides life for all who trust in him. As we explore Jesus’ crucifixion from Mark 15, let’s remember the victory Jesus offers us through his cross.
Read through Mark’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion in Mark 15:1-41. What do you think and what do you feel as you read this story?
How did different people respond to Jesus at his crucifixion…Israel’s leaders, Roman rulers, the crowd, the soldiers, Simon of Cyrene, the bystanders, the Roman centurion, and Jesus’ family and friends?
What are some different responses to Jesus’ crucifixion you have observed from different people? What response does the crucifixion inspire in you and how has that changed over time?
What have you heard from Sunday or read from the passage that give you reason to pause and carefully consider the message Jesus may be speaking to you for encouragement or challenge?
How might Jesus’ experience of suffering change your perspective on painful experiences or call you to compassionate actions?
Slowly, reflectively, quietly—read again the core of the crucifixion narrative in Mark 15:16-39. Silently consider what you have read. What do you hear and see from Jesus today?
Searching for the Generous Life
Just like modest investments can grow over time, our investment into God's kingdom generates growth and produces eternal dividends. The apostle Paul presented the Macedonian believers as an example of generous giving to the Corinthian church and to us. Let's explore...
Searching for Reconciliation
Confronting others concerning biblical/theological compromise is never easy or pleasant. Such encounters must be handled with sensitivity to the needs of others, directed by spiritual wisdom and the Scriptures, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul closed chapter two of...
Searching for Courage
On the surface, hearing God and following His commands seems straightforward. However, when God calls us to do something that generates fear in us and feels daunting, second-guessing His call becomes reasonable. Finding the courage to obey such a call is overwhelming....
Searching for the Abundant Life
Jesus explicitly explained his purpose when He said “…I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). He said similar things many times, and these ideas are repeated, over and over again, by those who wrote the New Testament. Yet many people,...
Searching for Real Friendship
Some relationships may imitate friendship, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. Exploring the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, we’ll identify some distinguishing features of friendship that are often overlooked and discover how to infuse...