Read: Mark 15-16
Today’s reading is Mark chapters 15 and 16, which concludes the book of Mark. In these chapters we read about Jesus being brought before Pilate, His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. So much of what was spoken about and prophesied beforehand is coming to fulfillment here. In Mark chapter 15, Jesus cries out from the cross:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” -Mark 15:34
And we see those exact same words written long before in the Psalms:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” -Psalm 22:1
That is not an accident. Scripture connects together so perfectly. God already knew what was going to happen. Even though it is heartbreaking to read, because Jesus suffered so greatly, these things had to happen so that prophecy would be fulfilled and so that we could be saved. After Jesus died, even the people standing there began to realize who He truly was and is.
“Surely this man was the Son of God!” -Mark 15:39
Thankfully the story does not end at the cross.
“Don’t be alarmed … You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here … But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” -Mark 16:6–7
Jesus told them beforehand what would happen, and it happened exactly the way He said it would. That matters because it reminds us that God keeps His word. If He fulfilled those promises, then we can trust the promises we are still waiting on too, including the promise that Jesus will return again one day.
At the end of Mark, Jesus gives what is known as the Great Commission:
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” -Mark 16:15–16
Honestly, when you really think about that, there should be nothing on this earth that we try harder at than telling people about Jesus. Obviously, that is easier said than done because sharing your faith can feel uncomfortable or intimidating. I know that I worry about saying the wrong thing or being judged. But Jesus died for us. He suffered horribly for us and He was greatly judged. The least that we can do is be willing to speak His name and share the truth and hope of the gospel with other people. That does not always mean standing on a stage preaching. Sometimes it is just in the way that you live, love, respond during hard seasons, parent, forgive, or the way you stay faithful when life feels heavy. People are watching, and your life may be the closest thing to Jesus that someone sees.
Discussion Questions
- What stood out to you most at the end of Mark?
- Why do you think it matters that prophecy was fulfilled through Jesus?
- What makes sharing your faith feel difficult sometimes?
Connect with the Author
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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