The Crucifixion – Mark 15:21-32

If Jesus died physically for believers, why do believers still die physically?

Bible Reading

Mark 15:21-32

21  Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.

22  And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull.

23  Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it.

24  And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.

25  Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.

26  And the inscription of His accusation was written above: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

27  With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left.

28  So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”

29  And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days,

30  “save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”

31  Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.

32  “Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.

(NKJ)

 

Food for Thought

1.   What do people mean when they say someone “did not die in vain?”

2.   When you see a cross, what usually comes to your mind?

3.   What is the point of wearing a cross?

 

Bible Study

4.   What role did Simon the Cyrene play in Jesus’ life? (15:21)

5.   Why did Jesus not carry the cross himself? (15:21)

6.   What offer of help did Jesus refuse? (15:23)

7.   What did the soldiers do with Jesus’ clothes? (15:24)

8.   What was significant about the notice that was placed on the cross above Jesus? (15:26)

9.   Who was crucified with Jesus? (15:27)

10. How did the people insult Jesus when he was on the cross? (15:29-30)

11. What did the teachers of the law say about Jesus while he was dying? (15:31-32)

12. What challenge did Jesus ignore? (15:31-32)

 

Kingdom Dynamics

13. Why do you think Jesus refused to accept the drink?

14. Simon’s encounter with Jesus was unexpected.  How did you first “encounter Christ?”

15. When has a seemingly random event turned out to be a major work of God in your life?

16. How can you thank God for the hidden ways he works in your life?

17. Did Jesus die for criminals or did he die with criminals?

18. What is the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross for you?

19. Why is this tragic story about Jesus called “good news?”

20. How did Jesus “save others?”

21. Why could Jesus not save himself?

22. Did Jesus die as a “lamb of God” or did he die as “the good shepherd?”

23. What does Jesus mean by saying those who believe in him will never die? (Jn 11:26)

24. How can Jesus die for believers if they will never die?

25. If Jesus died physically for believers, why do believers still die physically?

26. If Jesus died spiritually for believers, why did he rise from the dead after only three days instead of spending eternity in hell?

27. Who needs to be carried on the cross, sin or sinners?

28. What would it mean if God really condemned sin to the cross but condemned sinners to hell?

29. Did Jesus come to die for sinners or did he come to call sinners to repentance?

30. Is Jesus the Saviour of the righteous? (Mt 9:13)

31. When have you felt you were on a cross?

32. When have you jumped down from the cross as a result of provocation?

 

Practical Christianity

33. What measures have you taken to help rebuild the temple of God?

34. How can you make somebody understand this week that the gospel is really good news?