The Crucifixion of Jesus
Mark 15:21–41
Main Idea: It is impossible to grasp who Jesus is and why Jesus came apart from his shameful death on the cross.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does this passage emphasize the utter rejection of Jesus?
2. Describe the irony in the attacks of the first three groups (people passing by, chief priests and scribes, and the two robbers). What is the underlying assumption of their attacks?
3. What does the darkness at high-noon reveal? (Cf. Exodus 10:21–22; Amos 8:9–10)
4. Read Psalm 22.
- How is Jesus’ experience reflected in this Psalm?
- What is the underlying premise of this Psalm? (vs 5, 8)
- How does this Psalm help us understand what Jesus means when he cries out in Mark 15:34 “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
- How does this Psalm help us understand the ultimate purpose of this forsakeness?
5. What did the temple veil symbolize? (Hebrews 9:6–8)
6. What is the significance of its tearing? How is this revealed in the soldier’s confession, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39)?
Application Questions:
7. What impacted you the most in this message?
8. How did this message cause you to delight in Jesus more than you did before or see your sin and salvation in a way that you did not see before?
9. Read Hebrews 13:11–14. Are you living a life “safely in the camp” of predominantly Christian activities and relationships? Identify at least two barriers to intentional relationships with unbelievers. Identify one way you and your family can “go outside the camp” for the sake of Christ.
10. Is there anything you feel like you need to share with someone else from this message? What is it? And who do you need to share it with?