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?
When Jesus Restores…
Receiving forgiveness and experiencing restoration can become pivotal moments that shape our character. Peter received a course correction for life as Jesus gently but powerfully restored their relationship and Peter’s role. Together, we can grow deeper into Jesus’...
Overcoming Failure
Failing is a common but disappointing life experience that always seems to catch us by surprise. When our failures are placed into the hand of Jesus, he can use even our shortcomings to fuel our growth. Let’s discover the part failure played in Peter’s life and how we...
Forgiveness
As God has forgiven us, we are to forgive each other. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus is teaching His disciples, and us by extension, that forgiveness should be in like proportion to the amount forgiven. The first servant had been forgiven all, and he...
Peter’s Confession and Jesus’ Church
Jesus accomplishes his mission through his Church, but our part in a local church can be challenging as well as rewarding. In Matthew 16, we discover part of the foundation for God’s work through his Church and our part in it. How might God be calling you to be part...
Get Back in the Boat
Fear can creep into our lives at any time, especially when our happiness, comfort, or success is threatened. As we’ll see from Peter’s example, following Jesus doesn’t automatically eliminate our fears. However, we can also see how our fears fade into the background...