Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Do You Believe

Bryan Schneider · March 23, 2024

Mark 15:33-47

sharonrpc.org/sermons/do-you-believe

Summary

Mark's account of Jesus' death demands a personal response: either the hearer believes that this King and Priest died for sinners, or treats the narrative as dead words.
The midday darkness displays creation's response as Jesus bears judgment and experiences the horror of the Father's displeasure in his humanity without the Trinity being divided.
Jesus' cry from Psalm 22 shows the real depth of his suffering as he willingly bears the consequence of human rebellion.
When Jesus dies, the temple veil tears from top to bottom, signifying God's acceptance of the true sacrifice and opened access beyond the old temple order.
The centurion confesses Jesus as the Son of God, while others demonstrate that even extraordinary signs cannot overcome a heart determined not to believe.
Named women provide multiple eyewitnesses to the crucifixion, and Pilate's inquiry and the centurion's report establish that Jesus truly died.
Joseph of Arimathea courageously honors Jesus with a costly tomb, fulfilling Isaiah and risking reputation, office, relationships, and wealth.
Historical assent is not enough: each hearer must ask whether Christ died for him, follow Jesus courageously, and worship the Lamb who purchased his people by blood.

Why can Mark's account not remain merely an interesting history lesson?
What does the darkness communicate about Christ's death and the seriousness of sin?
How should Jesus' cry of forsakenness be understood without dividing the divine Trinity?
What does the torn temple veil signify about sacrifice, priesthood, and access to God?
Why do some witnesses believe while others explain away even remarkable signs?
How do the named women and Pilate's verification support the historical account?
What did public identification with Jesus cost Joseph of Arimathea?
Do you merely believe that Jesus died, or trust that he died for you?
What courageous obedience would personal faith in the crucified King require?

Atonement: Christ's obedient, sacrificial death in the place of sinners to satisfy divine justice and reconcile them to God.
Cry of dereliction: Jesus' quotation of Psalm 22, expressing the agony of bearing judgment and falling into his enemies' hands.
Vicarious offering: A sacrifice made in another's place; Christ suffers and dies for his people.
Temple veil: The curtain separating the holy place from the most holy place, torn by God when the true sacrifice died.
Eyewitness testimony: Publicly identifiable reports from people who directly observed Jesus' crucifixion, death, and burial.
Saving faith: Personal reception of Christ and his saving work, not bare agreement that the events occurred.