Jesus and His Atoning Death | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text: Mark 15:33-47

 

Wrath Absorbed (Mark 15:33-37)

Jesus drank the cup of God’s wrath on our behalf, fully satisfying divine justice. After suffering in our place, Jesus died in our place. Gospel Implication: Jesus absorbed the fury of God’s wrath and entered God-forsaken darkness so that sinners would be accepted by God through faith and repentance.

 

Access Granted (Mark 15:38)

The temple curtain signified the veil that stood between God and man. As Jesus died on the cross, He tore the temple curtain from top to bottom. Gospel Implication: Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, we have access to God.

 

Identity Declared (Mark 15:39)

The centurion declares Jesus as the Son of God in the wake of His death. This confession echoes the identity statements of Mark 1:1 and 8:29. Gospel Implication: Jesus’ title as the Son of God declares who He is and what He came to accomplish.

 

Witnesses Described (Mark 15:40-41)

The women who followed Jesus were devoted to Him and His ministry. Gospel Implication: Jesus calls both men and women to Himself who He equips for His kingdom purposes.

 

Death Confirmed (Mark 15:42-47)    

The death of Christ was confirmed, but it would be short-lived. Joseph of Arimathea courageously and unashamedly identifies with Jesus and requests to bury Jesus. Gospel Implication: Jesus entered death in order to conquer death for us.