Following Jesus in the Gospel of MarkSample

THE CURTAIN HAS BEEN TORN!

Look Closely: Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. Consider these passages from Psalm 22:1,7,8,16, 18, and Isaiah 53:9:

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? (Psalm 22:1)

All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” (Psalm 22:7-8)

Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet… They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. (Psalm 22:16, 18)

He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9)

Imagine the scene at the cross. What may have caused the centurion to conclude that Jesus was the Son of God?

When the women discovered that the tomb was empty, what did the young man (angel) tell them to do? (16:6)

Spotlight: Temple Curtain

Why does Mark mention that “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom”? This curtain separated the Holy of Holies from the first part of the Temple. Only priests could enter the temple, but only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, only once a year. He entered with blood for his own sins and the sins of the people. The curtain reminded all mankind that because of their sins, they could not be in the presence of God. The curtain was torn from top to bottom because it was not ripped by a man who would have started at the bottom. This was a supernatural act! This moment signified that the way into the Holies of Holies, not just one earth, but in heaven, was now open! And mankind can now enter boldly into the presence of God, through the blood of Jesus! (Hebrews 9:3-12,24 and 10:19-21)

Challenge: What is God saying to you? What will you do about it?

Pause to Pray: Let this old hymn lead you into prayer- “My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine. For thee, all the follies of sin I resign. My gracious redeemer, my Savior art thou. If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.” Amen