The Mystery of Christ's Sacrifice on the Cross

 

Summary

In Mark 15:33-39, we encounter the profound and heart-wrenching moment of Jesus' crucifixion. This passage reveals the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the mystery of His suffering. As darkness enveloped the land from noon until three in the afternoon, it symbolized the weight of sin and the judgment of God. This darkness was not merely a natural phenomenon but a divine act, signifying the chaos and disintegration of creation as Jesus bore the sins of the world.

Jesus' cry, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?"—"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"—echoes the words of Psalm 22, expressing the profound sense of abandonment He experienced. This moment is not just about His physical suffering but the spiritual agony of being forsaken by the Father. It is a mystery that transcends human understanding, as Jesus, the sinless Son of God, became sin for us, bearing the full wrath of God.

The tearing of the temple curtain from top to bottom signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we now have direct access to God, no longer needing intermediaries. This act symbolizes the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system and the establishment of a new covenant through Christ's blood.

The centurion's declaration, "Truly this man was the Son of God," highlights the transformative power of the cross. Even a hardened Roman soldier recognized the divine nature of Jesus in His death. This moment serves as a reminder that the cross is the center of our faith, where we find forgiveness, justification, and new life.

The cross is not just a historical event but a present reality that calls us to respond. It challenges us to examine our relationship with Jesus, to know Him as our Lord and Savior, and to embrace the grace and peace He offers. In the shadow of the cross, we find the assurance of God's love and the promise of eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

- The darkness that covered the land during Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes the weight of sin and the judgment of God. It serves as a reminder of the chaos and disintegration that sin brings into the world, and the profound cost of redemption. [05:01]

- Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" reveals the depth of His suffering and the mystery of His sacrifice. It is a moment that transcends human understanding, as the sinless Son of God became sin for us, bearing the full wrath of God. [10:00]

- The tearing of the temple curtain signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we now have direct access to God, no longer needing intermediaries. This act fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system and establishes a new covenant through Christ's blood. [39:20]

- The centurion's declaration, "Truly this man was the Son of God," highlights the transformative power of the cross. Even a hardened Roman soldier recognized the divine nature of Jesus in His death, reminding us that the cross is the center of our faith, where we find forgiveness, justification, and new life. [42:16]

- The cross calls us to respond by examining our relationship with Jesus, to know Him as our Lord and Savior, and to embrace the grace and peace He offers. In the shadow of the cross, we find the assurance of God's love and the promise of eternal life. [46:23]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - Introduction to Mark 15:33
[01:12] - The Darkness Over the Land
[02:46] - Symbolism of the Cross
[04:12] - The Significance of Darkness
[06:02] - Prophetic Fulfillment
[07:24] - The Miracle of Darkness
[08:06] - Judgment and Wrath
[09:25] - The Cry of Dereliction
[10:52] - The Mystery of Abandonment
[12:21] - The Trinity and the Cross
[13:58] - Divine and Human Consciousness
[15:33] - Theological Implications
[18:10] - The Reality of Abandonment
[20:50] - Christ Made Sin for Us
[22:55] - The Descent into Hell
[25:33] - The Wrath of God
[27:17] - The Justice of God
[30:37] - The Covenant of Redemption
[35:02] - Assurance in Christ
[38:44] - The Tearing of the Temple Curtain
[42:16] - The Centurion's Declaration
[45:15] - The Centrality of the Cross
[46:23] - Call to Respond
[47:27] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 15:33-39
- Psalm 22:1
- Galatians 3:13

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant event occurred from noon until three in the afternoon during Jesus' crucifixion, and what did it symbolize? [05:01]

2. How did Jesus express His sense of abandonment on the cross, and which Psalm does this echo? [10:00]

3. What happened to the temple curtain at the moment of Jesus' death, and what is its significance? [39:20]

4. How did the centurion react to Jesus' death, and what does his declaration reveal about the impact of the crucifixion? [42:16]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The darkness during Jesus' crucifixion is described as a divine act. What might this darkness represent in terms of the spiritual and cosmic implications of sin and redemption? [05:01]

2. Jesus' cry of abandonment is a profound moment in the crucifixion narrative. How does this cry deepen our understanding of the spiritual suffering Jesus endured on the cross? [10:00]

3. The tearing of the temple curtain is a powerful symbol. How does this act illustrate the new relationship between God and humanity established through Jesus' sacrifice? [39:20]

4. The centurion's declaration, "Truly this man was the Son of God," is significant. What does this statement suggest about the transformative power of witnessing the crucifixion? [42:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the darkness that covered the land during Jesus' crucifixion. How does this imagery challenge you to consider the weight of sin in your own life and the world around you? [05:01]

2. Jesus experienced a profound sense of abandonment on the cross. Have you ever felt abandoned or distant from God? How can Jesus' experience on the cross provide comfort or perspective in those moments? [10:00]

3. The tearing of the temple curtain signifies direct access to God. How does this truth impact your personal prayer life and relationship with God? Are there barriers you still perceive in your spiritual journey? [39:20]

4. The centurion recognized Jesus as the Son of God at the cross. How does the cross challenge you to see Jesus in a new light, and how might this affect your daily walk with Him? [42:16]

5. The sermon emphasizes the cross as a present reality that calls for a response. In what ways can you actively respond to the message of the cross in your daily life, particularly in your relationships and community? [46:23]

6. Consider the assurance of God's love and the promise of eternal life found in the shadow of the cross. How can this assurance influence your approach to challenges and uncertainties in life? [46:23]

7. The sermon calls us to examine our relationship with Jesus. What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of Jesus as your Lord and Savior? [46:23]

Devotional

Day 1: The Darkness of Sin and Redemption
The darkness that covered the land during Jesus' crucifixion was not just a natural occurrence but a profound symbol of the weight of sin and the judgment of God. This darkness represented the chaos and disintegration that sin brings into the world, highlighting the profound cost of redemption. As Jesus hung on the cross, He bore the sins of humanity, and the darkness served as a visual representation of the spiritual reality taking place. It was a moment when creation itself seemed to mourn the suffering of its Creator, and the darkness underscored the gravity of the sacrifice being made. [05:01]

"For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the darkness of sin in your life, and how can you invite God's light to bring redemption and healing today?


Day 2: The Mystery of Abandonment
Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" reveals the depth of His suffering and the mystery of His sacrifice. This moment transcends human understanding, as the sinless Son of God became sin for us, bearing the full wrath of God. It was not just a cry of physical pain but a profound expression of spiritual agony, as Jesus experienced separation from the Father for the first time. This mystery invites us to reflect on the immense love and sacrifice that Jesus endured for our sake, a love that goes beyond our comprehension. [10:00]

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the depth of Jesus' abandonment on the cross impact your view of His love for you? How can you respond to this love in your daily life?


Day 3: The Curtain Torn and Access Granted
The tearing of the temple curtain from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we now have direct access to God, no longer needing intermediaries. This act fulfilled the Old Testament sacrificial system and established a new covenant through Christ's blood. The torn curtain symbolizes the open invitation for all to enter into a personal relationship with God, made possible by the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. [39:20]

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh." (Hebrews 10:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What barriers have you placed between yourself and God? How can you embrace the access granted to you through Jesus' sacrifice today?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of the Cross
The centurion's declaration, "Truly this man was the Son of God," highlights the transformative power of the cross. Even a hardened Roman soldier recognized the divine nature of Jesus in His death, reminding us that the cross is the center of our faith, where we find forgiveness, justification, and new life. This moment serves as a powerful reminder that the message of the cross has the power to change hearts and lives, drawing people from all walks of life to the truth of who Jesus is. [42:16]

"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." (John 12:32, ESV)

Reflection: How has the message of the cross transformed your life? Who in your life needs to hear about the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice?


Day 5: Responding to the Call of the Cross
The cross calls us to respond by examining our relationship with Jesus, to know Him as our Lord and Savior, and to embrace the grace and peace He offers. In the shadow of the cross, we find the assurance of God's love and the promise of eternal life. This call to respond is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live in the light of the cross, allowing its message to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. [46:23]

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Jesus and live in response to the call of the cross? How can you share the grace and peace of Christ with others?

Quotes

"And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.”" [00:00:39]

"A symbol of Christianity, principally, is not a fish or a hammer or a carpenter’s chisel, but a cross, an instrument of torture and pain, of civil execution and death. We are here in a dark place. We are listening to words of immense grief and pain, the meaning of which eludes us." [00:02:25]

"The darkness is meant to symbolize several things: the chaos that characterized the world before the creation of light in Genesis 1:2, the disintegration of all things. Or perhaps it is meant to remind us that before the tenth plague came upon Israel during the time of the exodus, the ninth plague, the plague of darkness that lasted for three days, and three hours here." [00:05:20]

"God did this. It was a miracle, in the definition Dr. Sproul gave earlier this morning. God put His hand across the sun and said, ‘you shall not pass’. Some of you got it! God did it. To signal the exodus of the people of God, the slaying of the Passover lambs to mark the doorposts of the houses of the people of God, as the angel of death passed through the land." [00:07:12]

"Christ our Passover is being slain for us, his blood sprinkled as the angel of death now passes over. Alas! and did my Savior bleed? And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I? Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut its glories in, When Christ the mighty Maker died for man the creature’s sin." [00:08:28]

"“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani” “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” Quotation from Psalm 22. It is interesting to ponder what’s going on in the mind of the Lord Jesus – the human mind of the Lord Jesus – who had spent his entire life pondering, learning the Scriptures, living His life in obedience to the Word of God and what Scripture comes to mind now, here, in the darkness of Calvary, but the 22nd Psalm." [00:09:37]

"There is nothing to guide us here as to what these words mean. There’s nothing in our experience that comes remotely close to this. We can’t approach this passage of Scripture and say, ‘what is this saying about me?’ This is entirely about Him. There are levels at which we must try, attempt to ponder, fathom, this morning." [00:10:52]

"From the Father’s point of view, never did He love His Son more than He does now, yet He is the subject of His abandonment. He is forsaken. Calvin puts it this way: If Christ had died only a bodily death, it would have been ineffectual. Unless His soul shared in the punishment, He would have been the Redeemer of bodies alone." [00:18:38]

"God made Him to be sin for us. So here on the cross of Calvary, sin, the sins of God’s people, the sins of God’s elect, have been reckoned imputed to the Lord Jesus who knew no sin, who had never sinned, who had no original sin and had never violated or broken God’s law, but had kept it perfectly and absolutely." [00:20:34]

"The curtain that separated the outer from the inner, the curtain that had separated where the people met and where sacrifice was offered and the holy presence of God in the temple which was kept, as it were, away from the people by this visual, physical symbol of a curtain that now has been torn apart." [00:40:13]

"Mark is the one who is saying, ‘you know there was a hardened Roman soldier centurion who had seen many crucifixions, perhaps hundreds of them, but there was something about this one that was so dark that it moved him. It moved him in his own soul. And I think that Mark is saying something happened in the heart and spirit and soul of the centurion that he came to new life, that there at the foot of the cross, a little symbol of the power that this cross can affect you, he was born again of the Spirit of God, and he cries, “Truly this was the Son of God.”" [00:44:37]

"Oh my dear friends, the Cross is everything. We preach Christ and Him crucified. At the cross we find out justification. At the cross we find our forgiveness. At the cross we find new life. At the cross we find assurance that He loves us. He loves us that much. The Father loves us that much that He gave His only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." [00:45:06]

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Transcript
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