Mark 15:42-46 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 … More Joseph of Arimathea
The Bible uses some harsh and pointed language. In Galatians 5, for example: 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify … More Mark Driscoll on Harsh Language in the Bible
Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling … More Ryle: Death of Jesus and Miracles
When the psalmist cried out, “What shall I render to the Lord for all of his benefits to me?” the reply was, “I will lift the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12-13). ……Jesus gives us the gift of himself and we ask, “Now what can I render to … More Can I Give Anything to Jesus?
J.C. Ryle on Mark’s account of the Crucifixion of Jesus in chapter 15: We shall find it useful to examine separately the several parts of our Lord’s passion. Let us follow Him step by step from the moment of His condemnation by Pilate to His last hour upon the cross. There is a deep meaning … More The Death of Our Substitute
Absalom and David, Part 2 Poem by John Piper, DesiringGod.org King David’s son, Absalom, had killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar. Then he led a rebellion against the king and drove him out of Jerusalem. As we enter this poem, it is the night before the battle between the two armies and … More Piper: Absalom and David, Part 2
And though this world with devils filled Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure For, lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. John Piper … More His Truth Will Triumph
Coty Pinckney comments on Mark 15:6-15: Note here the irony of the release of Barabbas: Jesus is falsely accused of leading a rebellion against Rome; Barabbas did lead a rebellion against Rome. The guilty one goes free; the innocent man dies. Pilate’s preference for not executing an innocent man is just that – a preference, … More Jesus: An innocent madman?
What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back? O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a … More Spurgeon: Men fear the mountains, but the mountains tremble before the Lord.
A Sad but Instructive History by William Plumer, at GraceGems.org ABSALOM was the eldest son of David, whose mother was the daughter of a king. His name signifies “the father of peace” or “the peace of a father.” It was not given him by prophecy, but only expressed the hopes entertained of him. He was … More Lessons From Absalom
