Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 1

   What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

2. 2

   Mark 15 describes Jesus' trial and crucifixion. As you listen or read, imagine yourself in the crowd. What would you see and hear, and what emotions might you experience?

3. 3

   In verses 1-5, why was Pilate amazed?

4. 4

   In verses 6-15, what did Pilate typically do for the people at the time of the feast? Why did Pilate say, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" Who stirred up the crowd against Jesus? Why did Pilate want to satisfy the crowd?

5. 5

   In verses 16-32, what did Jesus experience at the hands of those who crucified Him? Why do you think they needed to have Simon of Cyrene carry Jesus' cross? When Jesus was hanging on the cross, how did they treat Him?

6. 6

   Note: According to verses 25, 33, and 34, Jesus was on the cross for roughly 6 hours, from 9 am to 3 pm. In verses 33-39, what happened between the 6th and 9th hours? What does Mark record that Jesus said from the cross? What happened when Jesus uttered His last words and died? How did this impact the centurion?

7. 7

   In verses 40-47, who was watching Jesus' crucifixion? When Joseph of Arimathea requested the body of Jesus so he could bury Him, who saw where they laid Him?

8. 8

   Ponder: As you read all that Jesus faced at the hands of the jealous Jewish leaders and soldiers, we must not forget why He actually died. Yes, the Jewish leaders and soldiers carried out the act, but the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were ultimately in control. If you have been reading along with us in Mark, what has Jesus told His disciples over and over? (Read Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:33, 14:41). The question then becomes: Why did Jesus willingly lay down His life? Read Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Corinthians 15:3. Why did Jesus die? Read Ephesians 1:4-5. When was this plan put in place? Have you accepted His free gift of salvation? If you have questions, please reach out to us at info@gracepointefc.org. How does this lead you to pray and praise our Savior?