The Book of Mark
Sabbath School Lesson 13
The Risen Lord
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In Mark 15:42-47, Joseph of Arimathea plays a crucial role in the burial of Jesus, which holds both theological and narrative significance. Here's an exploration of why his intervention is important, especially given the absence of Jesus' disciples/
Fulfillment of Prophecy
Joseph’s actions fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which states that the Messiah would be buried with the rich in his death. Joseph of Arimathea, described as a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin), provides his own tomb for Jesus' burial. This gesture connects directly with Isaiah’s vision of the suffering servant’s burial, emphasizing Jesus' identity as the prophesied Messiah.
A Bold Act of Devotion
In Mark's Gospel, Joseph is described as someone who was "waiting for the kingdom of God" (Mark 15:43). His request to Pilate for Jesus' body is a bold and risky move. Since Jesus had been crucified as an enemy of the state, associating with Him could have endangered Joseph's status and safety. By stepping in when the disciples had fled, Joseph demonstrates a courageous commitment to Jesus, despite the potential personal cost.
Contrast to the Disciples’ Absence
All of Jesus’ disciples, except for some women, had scattered by the time of His crucifixion and death. This sets Joseph’s action in sharp contrast to their fear and abandonment. Joseph's initiative serves to highlight the failure of the disciples, yet at the same time, it opens the door for someone outside Jesus' inner circle to act faithfully. This emphasizes that followers of Jesus could emerge from unexpected places.
Jesus' Dignified Burial
Crucifixion victims were often left unburied, but Joseph ensures that Jesus is given a proper burial according to Jewish customs. This provides Jesus with a dignified and honorable burial, reinforcing His identity and worth even in death. In the context of Roman crucifixion, which was designed to humiliate, Joseph’s intervention preserves Jesus’ dignity and humanity.
Preparation for the Resurrection
Joseph’s role also sets the stage for the resurrection narrative. By placing Jesus in a new, unused tomb, Joseph’s actions provide the necessary conditions for the discovery of the empty tomb, a key element in the resurrection accounts. The presence of a well-known, specific burial site makes it clear that the empty tomb was a verifiable, physical reality.
Conclusion
Joseph of Arimathea’s intervention is significant for its fulfillment of prophecy, its portrayal of bold faith, and its role in preparing the narrative for the resurrection. His courageous actions stand out in a moment when Jesus' closest disciples are absent, symbolizing faithfulness and devotion even under the threat of danger.
More From Sabbath School Lesson 12 Book of Mark
John 1:1-3 is a powerful passage that speaks to the divinity and eternal existence of Jesus Christ. Here's the text:
John 1:1-3 (NIV)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
Explanation
"In the beginning was the Word"
This refers to Jesus, often called "the Word" (Greek: Logos), showing that He existed before creation—eternally, beyond time.
"The Word was with God, and the Word was God"
This establishes the unity and distinction within the Trinity. Jesus (the Word) was in intimate relationship with God the Father but was also fully divine Himself.
"Through Him all things were made"
Jesus is the agent of creation. Everything that exists came into being through Him, affirming His creative and sustaining power.
In Relation to Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus' Divinity in His Sacrifice
John 1:1-3 emphasizes that Jesus is God and has been with the Father since the beginning. At the crucifixion, it wasn't just a man dying on the cross—it was God incarnate. His divine nature makes the sacrifice infinitely valuable and able to cover the sins of humanity.
Jesus’ Role as Creator and Redeemer
As the Creator (v. 3), Jesus had the authority and power over life itself. His crucifixion shows the Creator allowing Himself to experience death in order to redeem His creation. This connects deeply to the idea of Him being the life-giver who gave His life for the world.
Fulfillment of Divine Purpose
The crucifixion isn't an accidental event but the fulfillment of a divine plan. Since Jesus was there from the beginning and had a part in creation, His role as Savior was planned from eternity. His death on the cross is the climax of God’s redemptive work for all creation.
John 1:1-3, in light of the crucifixion, shows that Jesus, as both God and Creator, voluntarily became human and laid down His life for the redemption of the world He made. This emphasizes the depth of His love and the power of His sacrifice.
More From Sabbath School Lesson 12 Book of Mark
Themes in the Gospel of John
Sabbath School Lessons
(Links include Teacher Notes)
4th Quarter 2024
Lesson 1: Signs That Point the Way—September 28-October 4
Lesson 2: Signs of Divinity—October 5-11
Lesson 3: The Backstory: The Prologue—October 12-18
Lesson 4: Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah—October 19-25
Lesson 5: The Testimony of the Samaritans—October 26-November 1
Lesson 6: More Testimonies About Jesus—November 2-8
Lesson 7: Blessed Are Those Who Believe—November 9-15
Lesson 8: Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies—November 16-22
Lesson 9: The Source of Life—November 23-29
Lesson 10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life—November 30-December 6
Lesson 11: The Father, the Son, and the Spirit—December 7-13
Lesson 12: The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection—December 14-20
Lesson 13: Epilogue: Knowing Jesus and His Word—December 21-27
Hail, King of the Jews!
What did the soldiers do to Jesus, and what is its significance?
In Mark 15:15–20, the Roman soldiers subjected Jesus to a series of humiliations and abuses.
They mocked Jesus by dressing Him in a purple robe, which was a symbol of royalty, and placed a crown of thorns on His head.
They sarcastically hailed Him as "King of the Jews" and struck Him on the head with a reed.
They spat on Him and struck Him repeatedly.
Significance
The actions of the soldiers align with the prophecies about the suffering Messiah, such as those found in Isaiah 53, which describe the Servant being despised and rejected.
The purple robe and crown of thorns are meant to mock Jesus' claim to kingship, contrasting the reality of His suffering with the idea of a glorious reign.
The physical and emotional abuse highlights the extent of Jesus' suffering and humiliation, underscoring the depth of His sacrifice.
The soldiers' actions contrast sharply with the idea of a true and just king, emphasizing the ironic nature of Jesus’ kingship as one characterized by suffering and servitude rather than worldly power.
This passage emphasizes the depth of Jesus' suffering and the mocking of His messianic role, which contrasts with the divine purpose and ultimate redemption He would achieve through His sacrifice.
More From Sabbath School Lesson 12 Book of Mark
Jesus, the true King, is rejected by his own people
Jesus is the true Messiah and King of the Jews, yet his own people, who were waiting for a Messiah, reject him and demand his crucifixion. They ask for the release of Barabbas, a known criminal, instead of Jesus, the innocent King.
The chief priests accuse Jesus of claiming to be the King of the Jews, but they don't believe in him as the true King. Despite Jesus’ actual innocence and divine authority, they treat him as a false leader.
The innocent is condemned, and the guilty goes free
Pilate offers to release Jesus, recognizing that he is innocent. Instead, the crowd chooses to free Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist, while condemning Jesus, the one who has committed no crime.
Jesus, the sinless one, is condemned to death, while Barabbas, who represents human sin and rebellion, is released. This reflects the deeper spiritual irony of Jesus’ mission: he dies for the sins of the guilty.
Pilate’s claim to justice
Pilate, as the Roman governor, represents the power of Roman law and justice. However, despite knowing that Jesus is innocent and being warned by his conscience (and his wife, according to Matthew 27:19), he succumbs to the pressure of the crowd and sentences an innocent man to death.
The one responsible for maintaining justice allows injustice to prevail, demonstrating Pilate’s moral weakness and political expediency.
Jesus is mocked as a king
Irony: In later verses (not directly in 1–15), Jesus will be mocked by the soldiers who dress him in a purple robe and place a crown of thorns on his head. While they mock him as a false king, the irony is that Jesus is indeed the true King, not only of the Jews but of all creation.
Situation: What the soldiers consider a humiliating mockery of kingship is actually a prophetic display of Jesus' true kingship, though his crown is one of suffering.
These ironic contrasts in Mark 15:1–15 deepen the tragic nature of Jesus' trial and highlight the themes of injustice, misunderstanding, and ultimate divine purpose.
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