Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 12, 2023

When Christ, the Mighty Maker, Died…

Mark 15:33-39

1. Context

• emphasis on sovereignty and scriptural fulfillment (10:45) and the connection between 1:1 and 15:39

2. Cover of Darkness 33

• darkness during the day (Dt. 28:29, Amos 8:9)
• darkness/Passover connection (Ex. 10:21-23, 1 Cor. 5:7)

3. Cry of Desolation 34

• connection to Psalm 22:1 and significance of the address of Jesus

4. Continued Derision 35-36

• misunderstood words and connection to Psalm 69:21

5. Cry of Completion 37

• significance of a loud cry and John 19:30: “It is finished!” (1 Pet. 2:24, 2 Cor. 5:21, Gal. 3:13)

6. Curtain Torn 38

• a supernatural separation (Ex. 26:31-35) and indicator of access (Heb. 6:19-20)

7. Convinced Centurion 39

• commentary consistent with Mark
• conviction and not skepticism (14:61)

8. So What?

• Assured of the Father’s plan and the fulfillment of Scripture in the death of Jesus, marvel at the sovereignty and sensitivity of the “great exchange.”
• Recognize the Father’s reconciling and retaining work at the cross.
• “Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut His glories in, when Christ, the mighty Maker, died for man, the creature’s sin…” (Watts, “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed”)
• Acknowledge accurate theology: “…Till on that cross where Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied…” (Townend/Getty, “In Christ Alone”)