The Veil Torn: Humanity’s New Access to the Holy. Barrier Broken. What the tearing of the temple veil means for us.

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Welcome

Dear beloved congregation,

It is with joy and reverence that we gather today in the presence of our Lord. Your presence here is a testament to your commitment to grow in faith and discipleship. As we embark on this journey together, may our hearts be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and may our time together be blessed with spiritual growth and transformation.

Opening Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the opportunity to gather in Your name. As we delve into Your Word, we ask for Your guidance and illumination. Open our minds to understand, our hearts to receive, and our spirits to be transformed by the truth found in Scripture. May Your presence be palpable among us, and may Your love fill our hearts. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Introduction to Scripture

Journey to Calvary: Mark 15:1-39

In the pages of the Gospel according to Mark, we are drawn into the heart-wrenching journey of Jesus to Calvary. This passage paints a vivid picture of the events leading up to His crucifixion and the profound sacrifice He made for humanity. From the unjust trial before Pilate to the agonizing moments on the cross, we witness the depth of Jesus’ love and the extent of His obedience to the Father’s will.

Scripture: Mark 15:1-39 (NIV)

Jesus Before Pilate

1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

² “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

³ The chief priests accused him of many things. ⁴ So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”

⁵ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

⁶ Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. ⁷ A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. ⁸ The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.

⁹ “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, ¹⁰ knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. ¹¹ But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.

¹² “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.

¹³ “Crucify him!” they shouted.

¹⁴ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

¹⁵ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

¹⁶ The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. ¹⁷ They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. ¹⁸ And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” ¹⁹ Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. ²⁰ And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

²¹ A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. ²² They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). ²³ Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. ²⁴ And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

²⁵ It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. ²⁶ The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews.

²⁷ They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. ^{[28] [a] 29} Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, ³⁰ come down from the cross and save yourself!” ³¹ In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! ³² Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus

³³ At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. ³⁴ And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).^[b]

³⁵ When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”

³⁶ Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

³⁷ With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

³⁸ The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. ³⁹ And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,^[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

Intercessory Prayer

Gracious God,

As we reflect on the journey of Jesus to the cross, we are reminded of the immense love You have for us. We lift up to You all those who are enduring trials and suffering, just as Jesus did. Grant them strength, comfort, and the assurance of Your presence. Help us to bear one another’s burdens and to share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings, knowing that through His sacrifice, we find redemption and hope. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.

Congregational Response

Lord, hear our prayer.

May we walk in the footsteps of our Savior, Lord, hear our prayer.
May we carry the cross with humility and grace, Lord, hear our prayer.
May we find strength in Your love and mercy, Lord, hear our prayer.

Amen.

Setting the Scene Sermon Introduction

My dear brothers and sisters,

As we delve into the pages of Scripture today, we find ourselves drawn to a pivotal moment in the life of our Savior. The passage before us, Mark 15:1-39, paints a vivid picture of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. It’s a passage filled with drama, betrayal, and profound sacrifice. But amidst the darkness, there shines a beacon of hope—a reminder of the unending love and grace of our Heavenly Father.

Setting the Scene Socially and Historically

In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, amidst the political turmoil of the time, we witness the collision of power and righteousness. The religious leaders, threatened by Jesus’ teachings and authority, conspire to put an end to His ministry. They manipulate the Roman governor, Pilate, into condemning an innocent man to death. The scene is not just a historical footnote; it resonates deeply with us today. It reflects the ongoing struggle between the forces of darkness and the light of Christ. It reminds us of the injustices that persist in our world and the call to stand up for truth and righteousness, even in the face of opposition.

Sermon: “The Way of the Cross”

Sermon Outline

I. The Unjust Trial (Mark 15:1-5)

• Jesus’ silence in the face of false accusations.
• Pilate’s struggle to find fault in the innocent Lamb of God.

II. The Suffering Servant (Mark 15:6-20)

• The humiliation and mockery endured by Jesus.
• Simon of Cyrene’s unexpected role in bearing the cross.
• The soldiers’ callousness contrasted with Jesus’ divine dignity.

III. The Sacrificial Love (Mark 15:21-39)

• Jesus’ agonizing journey to Golgotha.
• The crucifixion and its profound significance for humanity.
• The veil torn, symbolizing access to God through Christ’s sacrifice.

In the following parts of this sermon series, we will explore each aspect of this passage and glean insights into the depth of Jesus’ love for us and the call to discipleship in following His example. Let us open our hearts and minds to receive the transformative truth of God’s Word.

I. The Unjust Trial (Mark 15:1-5)

In this section of Scripture, we witness the injustice of Jesus’ trial before Pilate. Despite being innocent, Jesus faces false accusations from the religious leaders. His silence in the face of these accusations speaks volumes about His humility and submission to the Father’s will. This unjust trial serves as a stark reminder of the brokenness of human systems and the tendency for power to corrupt. It challenges us to examine our own lives and consider whether we stand up for truth and justice, even when it may be unpopular or inconvenient.

Personal Thoughts: Reflecting on this passage, I’m struck by the contrast between Jesus’ silence and Pilate’s amazement. It’s a reminder that true power lies not in manipulation or coercion but in humility and surrender to God’s will. How often do I find myself striving for recognition and control, rather than entrusting myself fully to God’s purposes?

Personal Commentary: As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example of humility and selflessness. This means standing firm in our convictions, even in the face of opposition or persecution. It means seeking justice and mercy for the oppressed, just as Jesus did. The unjust trial of Jesus serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

Ask Yourself A Question: Am I willing to stand up for truth and justice, even when it may cost me my reputation or comfort?

II. The Suffering Servant (Mark 15:6-20)

In this portion of Scripture, we witness the physical and emotional suffering endured by Jesus at the hands of the Roman soldiers. From the cruel mockery to the excruciating pain of the crucifixion, Jesus bears it all with grace and dignity. The contrast between His suffering and the soldiers’ callousness highlights the depth of His sacrificial love for humanity. It challenges us to consider the ways in which we may contribute to the suffering of others through our words and actions, and to strive for greater compassion and empathy in our interactions.

Personal Thoughts: As I meditate on the suffering of Jesus, I’m reminded of the immense price He paid for my redemption. It humbles me to think that He endured such agony out of love for me. How can I respond to this incredible act of grace with anything less than wholehearted devotion and gratitude?

Personal Commentary: As disciples of Christ, we are called to take up our cross and follow Him. This means embracing the way of suffering and self-denial, knowing that it is through our own brokenness that God’s power is made perfect. The suffering servant motif in this passage challenges us to consider how we can follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial love in our own lives, even when it may be costly or uncomfortable.

Ask Yourself A Question: How can I show compassion and empathy to those who are suffering around me, following the example of Jesus?

III. The Sacrificial Love (Mark 15:21-39)

In the final section of this passage, we witness the culmination of Jesus’ sacrificial love on the cross. Despite the agony and humiliation He endures, Jesus willingly lays down His life for the forgiveness of sins. The tearing of the veil in the temple symbolizes the restoration of relationship between God and humanity through Christ’s sacrifice. It serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love for us and the transformative power of the cross.

Personal Thoughts: Contemplating the sacrifice of Jesus fills me with awe and wonder. It’s difficult to comprehend the magnitude of His love for us. How can I respond to such extravagant grace with anything less than wholehearted devotion and surrender?

Personal Commentary: The sacrificial love of Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It is through His death and resurrection that we find forgiveness, healing, and new life. As we journey deeper into discipleship, may we never lose sight of the cross and the profound significance it holds for our spiritual growth and transformation.

Ask Yourself A Question: How does the sacrificial love of Jesus compel me to live differently, and what steps can I take to grow more deeply in my relationship with Him?

Final Thoughts

As we conclude our reflection on the journey of Jesus to the cross, let us be reminded of the depth of His love for us and the cost of discipleship. May we never take for granted the sacrifice He made on our behalf, but instead, may it fuel our passion for His kingdom and our commitment to following Him wholeheartedly. Let us go forth from this time of worship with renewed zeal and determination to live lives that honor God and reflect His love to the world.

Moving Forward in Our Christian Lives

1. Embrace the Cross: Let us daily take up our cross and follow Jesus, surrendering our own desires and agendas to His will.
2. Seek Justice and Mercy: May we actively seek opportunities to stand up for truth and justice, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed in our communities.
3. Cultivate Compassion: Let us cultivate hearts of compassion and empathy, following the example of Jesus in extending love and grace to those in need.
4. Grow in Discipleship: May we continually seek to grow in our relationship with Christ through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As we depart from this time of worship, may Your Spirit continue to dwell within us, guiding us in the ways of righteousness and truth. Grant us the strength and courage to live as faithful disciples of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to walk in humility and love, bearing witness to Your kingdom in all that we do. May Your name be glorified in our lives, now and forevermore.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

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