Sermon Snippets - Mark 15

Many times when studying Scripture and preparing a sermon, I learn interesting information and new things that I can't always fit into the sermon. For this week's sermon preview, I thought I'd share some of those tidbits from Mark 14:32-15:21:

• The Garden of Gethsemane is an immediate chance for the disciples to back up their claims of loyalty to Jesus (cf. 14:26-31)
• The term "Abba", which Jesus uses in praying to His Father, isn't really a 'childish' term, but is one of endearment and intimacy. Not exactly like "daddy" but more like "dad".
• "The God who wills to move the mountain does not always take away the cup." S.E. Dowd
• While a kiss, like Judas gives to Jesus in the garden, is a normal social greeting. For a disciple to initiate it to his rabbi is a stark break with cultural norms.
• Interesting contrast -
• Jesus stands firm against false accusations.
• Peter cowers against true accusations.
• While the Sanhedrin take offense at Jesus spiritual claims, they present him to Pilate as a political rebel (compare 14:61-64 and 15:2, 'King of the Jews').
• One reason why Jesus is mostly silent towards Pilate is that had he defended himself, he would have likely convinced Pilate of his innocence and been released.
• The soldiers in charge of his pre-crucifixion scourging and mockery were not likely Romans, but auxilirary soldiers from the surrounding countries. These would have been even more racist towards a Jewish prisoner.
• While he was dressed to carry his cross (out of respect for townspeople), Jesus would likely have been stripped naked when put on the cross.