Day 71: Matthew 26:57-Mark 9:13 - 90 Day Challenge

The Resurrection 

In today's reading, we hear about the persecution, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Chapters we read in Mark today are primarily a retelling of the beginning of Matthew, so I'll cover those very briefly--because I'd like to spend some time talking about the resurrection and what it all means. 

So we pick up after Jesus is taken prisoner. The people in charge question Jesus, and when he tells them that he is the Son of God, they say he's being blasphemous--and that his crime is worthy of death. 

Remember that bit in the last supper when Jesus casually mentions his greatest disciple will disown him three times? And Peter vehemently denied it? Well that wasn't the only thing he denied. And thus, the prophecy became true. 

Judas finally feels guilty for selling the life of the Son of God for 30 silver coins, and he does try to give it back and make it right, but the city says no. So Judas hangs himself from the guilt. 

Now, Pilate is the man set to execute Jesus. But his wife comes to him and says, "This is really a bad idea. He is the Son of God and this must be stopped." To his credit, Pilate does try, a little. See, its right around Passover, and it's customary for one person to be freed around that time. The options are: Jesus, some robbers, or Barabbas. Now, Barabbas was a pretty intense criminal, the Bible doesn't say what he did, but it does say that he was a "notorious prisoner." The crowd elects to let Barabbas go. Pilate's like, "Wait. Jesus committed no crime that's worthy of death." And the crowd just sort of ignores him. So Barabbas, though incredibly guilty, is freed by the death of Jesus. Just how we, other guilt-filled sinners, are also freed by his death. His innocence has paid for all of our guilt.

So then we get to the crucifixion. A crown of thorns is placed on Jesus's head. He carries his cross, his own death sentence, up to the hill where he will die. The guards mock him. They bow down to him and say, "Hail, the King of the Jews!" His executioners nail him to the cross, and leave him to bleed out. The sky goes dark for hours. When Jesus dies, the veil in the temple is torn--all the way from the top to the bottom. This is an incredible symbol. Only the high priest was allowed to go behind the curtain to experience God, and this was a very rare occurrence. The tearing of the veil symbolizes that the sacrifice was for all. And that everyone has the opportunity to experience God. 

Jesus's body is taken away to a tomb, with a rock sealed over it, but three days later, Jesus's body is not in there. The disciples are retrieved, and Jesus appears to them. And he gives one final commandment--go out, and make disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And he leaves them all with this final reminder: 

Surely, after seeing Jesus's physical proclamation of love, and hearing his promise--that he will always be with us. There is no way anyone cannot believe. Who could possibly come up with an idea of such generosity, such care, such mercy, or such love? That opportunity has been made available to all. There is no veil, there is no barrier, that could ever separate us from the love of God, from the mercy of His Son, or from the sacrifice of the lamb. 

And then the story begins all over again in Mark! 

We get a recap, of everything. Of the birth, the baptism, the healing, the parables, all of it. Why? Because these are separate accounts of the same timeline. And we get to hear this for the next three chapters. I think the disciples were trying to suggest that something here is important. 

The last chapter we read today is Mark 9, and it begins (and our reading ends) with this: a proclamation, by the Lord, to the disciples, that Jesus is the Son of God. And he is loved by Him. After reading what we just did in Matthew, I think it's safe to say that Jesus was an incredible sacrifice to atone for our sins. In fact, Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, a complete and living proof of God's love. 

And that's where we're going to end today! 

Tomorrow's reading: Mark 9:14-Luke 1:80

Have a wonderful week!

Jill Jafarace

Director of Student Ministries

New Leaf UMC