Points of Meditation & Reflection
Sermon Title & Text “Reclaimed Wood, Redefined by the Cross” Mark 15:33-41 ESV
Message in a Sentence: The cross offers and requires a changed/redefined life for all who believe in the events of the cross.
1. The death of Christ was, by design, a slow pain-filled death. After being beaten, He was nailed to a tree and hung from noon until 3pm. During those hours, several supernatural events occurred:
a. Complete darkness over the land - in the middle of the day
b. Alignment with Psalms 22:1
c. Curtain of the temple torn from Top to Bottom
d. Earthquake cf Mt 27:52-54
e. Dead were awaken cf Mt 27:52-54
2. People Problems: The Cross was necessary because of “People Problems”. Judas betrayed for money, Peter denied from pressure, Jewish leaders were led by jealousy, Jewish crowds were manipulated by religious leaders, Roman authorities & soldiers exercised earthly influence to keep their power. But…
3. Power to Save: The truth of the Cross redefines & overcomes the weakness of people. The death of Christ on the Cross enabled the most unlikely to know the truth about Christ and be used as eyewitnesses by God
a. Roman Centurion, in charge of crucifixion, praised God, stating, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
b. Faith-filled women served as eyewitnesses to the events of the death of Christ.
4. Jewish traditions tell of the life of the Roman centurion after his confession, but the BIble does not. So, we can’t be certain about the centurion’s salvation but we can be sure of our salvation and what the death of Christ means for us.

To continue to develop your relationship with Christ, spend time every day this week praying and meditating on this passage and it’s truths [EveryDay Jesus - below].

Edward

Everyday Jesus: Mark 15:33-41 Lord, deepen our understanding of what You did for us on the cross.

• Monday: Read Mark 15 Both the centurion & the women were redefined by the reality of the cross. Ask God where you need to be redefined by Christ’s cross. Pick 2 passages below to read, meditate on and pray through.
• Tuesday: Read Mark 15:33-41 & Colossians 2:6-15 The death of Christ brought you alive to God. Simply, ask God what this means for how you will live and serve the Lord.
• Wednesday: Read Mark 15:33-41 Contrast the supernatural events surrounding the cross [SN1] with 1 Cor. 1:17-25. Ask God to show you if, how, where you have missed the power of the cross in your life.
• Thursday: Read Mark 15:33-41 & Luke 8:1-3. The Story of the Cross shows the significance of all people to God (women). We all are outsiders to some group. Pray through 1 “Redeemed” passage.
• Friday: Read Mark 15: 33-41 ”Truly this was the Son of God”, is an admission of witnessing the full power of God. Pray through any of the passages below, ask God to show the fullness of His power in & through your life.
• Saturday: Read Mark 15: 33-41 Salvation is > a prayer once spoken, what is your current posture in the Lord? Read & pray through 1 “New Purpose” passage