Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

The King of the Jews

Bryan Schneider · March 9, 2024

Mark 15:16-32

sharonrpc.org/sermons/the-king-of-the-jews

Summary

Mark slows the narrative as Roman soldiers clothe Jesus in purple, crown him with thorns, salute, strike, spit upon, and bow before him in cruel mock worship.
Their mockery is filled with divine irony: the man they ridicule as a failed king is truly the King, and the cross is the path by which he receives his crown and saves his people.
Jesus willingly endures physical pain, shame, blasphemy, and the undiminished cup of wrath for sinners, refusing the drugged wine and refusing to come down from the cross.
He is numbered with transgressors so that his people may be numbered with the righteous, and his exposed shame clothes them in his righteousness.
The resurrection and Revelation reveal that the crucified Jesus did not fail: he is the firstborn from the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.
Those washed by the King's blood receive a new identity and purpose, confessing sin, walking in holiness, serving others, and making his reign known among the nations.

Do I believe the crucified Jesus is truly the reigning King rather than a failed religious teacher?
Am I still trying to become good enough for Christ to accept me instead of resting in his finished sacrifice?
What does Jesus' refusal to come down from the cross reveal about his love and obedience?
Do I honestly confess my sin because Christ cleanses, or hide it to preserve my own appearance?
How should being bought by the King's blood change the use of my body, words, possessions, and authority?
Where can I imitate Christ through humility, generosity, forgiveness, and care for the afflicted?

King of the Jews: The accusation placed above Jesus' cross and a title used in mockery that nevertheless declares his true messianic kingship.
Humiliation: Christ's willing descent into suffering, shame, rejection, crucifixion, and death for the salvation of his people.
Substitution: Christ standing in the place of sinners, bearing their guilt and wrath so they may receive his righteousness and life.
Cosmic irony: The reversal by which those attempting to discredit and destroy Jesus unwittingly display his true identity and advance God's saving plan.
Righteousness: The perfect obedience of Christ credited to believers, who could never make themselves acceptable by their own goodness.
Royal priesthood: The identity and calling Christ gives those washed in his blood to belong to his kingdom and offer lives of praise and holy service.