This week we finished our study in the Gospel according to Mark. We affirmed that the last twelve verses of Mark were written by someone other than the author of the Gospel, but that these verses date back to the second century. While we cannot know for certain who wrote them, we do know that they were accepted right away as the unofficial ending of the book.
For information about the canonization of the New Testament, please visit https://www.gotquestions.org/canon-Bible.html.
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, HCSB, ESV: Mark 16:9-20 <<
Mark 16:9-20 ~ The Long Ending of Mark
Post-Resurrection appearances, commissioning of apostles, and Ascension/Session of Christ. 
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
PowerPoint ~ But wait, there’s more! 
Banner and social media image credit: Photos courtesy of FreeBibleimages.com. Licensed from © LUMO Project (Big Book Media). Used with permission.

This week we reviewed the Resurrection of Jesus as recorded in the first eight verses of chapter 16 of Mark’s Gospel. We focused our discussion on the historicity of the Resurrection and the authenticity of Mark’s account. 
I also taught on this passage on Easter Sunday 2016. That lesson focused more on the textual criticism of the passage and archaeological evidence of the Resurrection.
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 16:1-8 <<
Mark 16:1-8 ~ He Is Risen!
After His death had been confirmed by three completely different sources, Jesus the Nazarene was raised from the dead. Once. And for all.
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
Additional Resources

* “The Ending of Mark” by Robert H. Stein. Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 18.1. (Louisville: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008), pp. 79-98.
https://www.ibr-bbr.org/files/bbr/bbr18a04_stein.pdf
* “Is Mark 16:9-20 Inspired?” by Dave Miller, PhD. Apologetics Press (website).
https://apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=13&article=704
* “Should Mark 16:9-20 Be in the Bible?” GotQuestions.org (website).
https://www.gotquestions.org/Mark-16-9-20.html
* “Mark 16,” https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mark_16&oldid=833098395 (last visited Mar. 30, 2018).
* “Burial Practices in First Century Palestine” by Byron R. McCane
https://www.bibleodyssey.org/en/people/related-articles/burial-practices-in-first-century-palestine
* Tomb with Rolling Stone (photos & description of this style of tomb) https://www.ritmeyer.com/product/image-library/illustrating-the-bible/the-gospels/tomb-with-rolling-stone/

PowerPoint
The presentation below was used on Easter Sunday 2016 (the first time we studied this passage). 
Banner and social media image credit: Photos courtesy of FreeBibleimages.com. Licensed from © LUMO Project (Big Book Media). Used with permission.

Jesus: Dead and Buried. This week we studied what happened at the moment of Jesus’ death when He “cried out with a loud voice and gave up the ghost.” We briefly discussed His descent into Sheol and the various ways of understanding this part of our Christian theology. In addition to this, we observed how Jesus’ physical death was verified by three critical sources: Political (the centurion), Religious (a member of the Sanhedrin), and Personal (His followers). From Mary’s anointing of Jesus (for His burial) to the women at the cross to the women at the tomb, we noted the critical role of women in Jesus’ ministry and the Passion narrative.
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 15:33-47 <<
Mark 15:33-47 ~ Jesus: Dead and Buried.
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
PowerPoint Presentation

This week we examined a couple so-called “discrepancies” between the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion (e.g., time of day and wording of the inscription), as well as what happened on the Cross. Some people mocked Jesus as they passed by, the chief priests and scribes mocked Him among themselves (typical), and even those crucified with him mocked Him at one point. After the mocking, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why  have you forsaken me?” You may have heard that it was at this very moment, God the Father turned His back on Jesus Christ… But is that really what happened?
Please take time to reflect on Jesus’ example of facing the cross head-on: He still had work to do, and even on the cross, He continued to reveal Himself to His followers and anyone else who was paying attention. * Be sure to check the “Resources for Today’s Lesson” section below for helpful articles that expand upon what we studied today.
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 15:25-37 <<
Mark 15:25-37 ~ Mocked, But Not Forsaken
Even while Jesus hung on the cross, people taunted him.

* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
PowerPoint Presentation
 
Resources for Today’s Lesson
Article that explains the HOURS OF THE DAY way better than I did (Thank you, John Zielke, for finding this resource!):
http://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/8861/in-the-gospels-how-should-the-hours-of-the-day-be-understood
Article that explains the INSCRIPTIONS ON THE CROSS with much more detail:
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aig/aig-t001.html
I also highly recommend this book for anyone interested in delving into Hermeutics (the art and science of Biblical interpretation): Protestant Biblical Interpretation: A Textbook of Hermeneutics by Bernard Ramm

Banner and social media image credit: Photo of 3 Crosses courtesy of FreeBibleimages.com. Licensed from © LUMO Project (Big Book Media). Used with permission.

This week we carefully examined the sequence events as Jesus was led from the Praetorium to Golgatha. We talked about Simon of Cyrene and his children—possibly one of whom is mentioned in Romans 16. We also spent some time discussing Jesus’ refusal of the sedating myrrh-wine, and why He decided to experience all the pain of the cross. As we reflect on the significance of the Crucifixion, we took some time to look at it through the eyes of a variety of artists including composers, sculptors, painters, and film makers (links to each of the references are included below for your convenience, including Bach’s entire Markus-Passion.) Please take time to reflect on Jesus’ example of facing the cross head-on: He still had work to do, and even on the cross, He continued to reveal Himself to His followers and anyone else who was paying attention.
>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 15:21-24 <<
“We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”
— Brené Brown
Mark 15:21-24 ~ The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus chose to remain alert and experience the cross with a clear mind.
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
Resources for Today’s Lesson
Today we reflected on the Crucifixion through the arts. Here are links to the videos, sculptures, and paintings we viewed in class. (This is better than my PowerPoint!)
“Markus-Passion” by Johann Sebastian Bach (1731)

Click here for the lyrics and translation of this concert

“Dévot Christ” of Perpingan

Be sure to click this link view all the photos of this incredible 14th century wooden sculpture of the crucified Christ: http://dbfoto.free.fr/spip.php?article6&id_document=185

“The Raising of the Cross” by Rembrandt van Rijn

Click here to read a Christian’s perspective on this historically important painting:
http://www.credomag.com/2011/09/24/raising-the-cross/

“Isenheim Altar Piece” by Matthias Grünewald

Click to learn more about this altar piece and to view the different images on each side: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isenheim_Altarpiece

“View from the Cross” by James Tissot

Click here to learn more about this amazing painting: http://www.artbible.info/art/large/495.html

Chronicles of Narnia: Aslan at the Stone Table
Here we see Aslan, the Christ figure, walk with resolve towards his death. He faces mockery, humiliation, and insult in silence, just like Jesus did. #powerful

Resources Cited:

* “Dévot Christ” photos by Blin
http://dbfoto.free.fr/spip.php?article6
* “The Raising of the Cross” by Rembrandt – The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002.

This week we took our time working through the first twenty verses of Mark 15. What we discovered is that Pilate, although Governor of Judea, was a very weak leader who could not stand up to the manipulation of the Sanhedrin. With His eyes fixed on the cross, we watched Jesus endure everything from verbal abuse and mockery to one of the most brutal physical punishments ever invented. As Isaiah prophesied, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth” (Isa. 53:7).
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 15:1-20 <<
Mark 15:2-20 ~ The Third Betrayal (Pilate)
Jesus’ Trial with Pilate, Barabbas, Jesus Sentenced to Crucifixion
The Flogging and the Second Mocking
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
PLEASE NOTE:
There was no PowerPoint this week. And, sadly, no one took a photo of my fantastic stick-figure artistry on the white board. You’ll just have to use your imagination! 

This week we surveyed chapter 15 of the Gospel according to Mark. We examined the entire passage hitting highlights along the way including “cockcrow” (was there a rooster, or was this a bugle call?), Pilate (real or fiction?), Barabbas, Simon of Cyrene, the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, and the women who watched the death of Jesus from the cross to the grave to the stone rolled in front of the tomb.
* This lesson was originally taught in March 2016 as a survey of chapter 15. More detailed lessons follow in August/September 2016. 
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 15:1-47 <<
Overview of Mark 15:1-47 ~ The Crucifixion
Jesus’ Trial with Pilate, Barabbas, Simon of Cyrene, Crucifixion, Burial,
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
Overview of Mark 15:1-47
Hebrew Day vs. Gregorian Day

This week we studied Peter’s repentance after he realized his denial of Jesus; clarified the “three” trials; and learned a little bit about the first-century Roman Prefect, Pilate. This lesson served as a warning against becoming cocky in our faith (no pun intended), because we’re all vulnerable to temptation. We were encouraged as we discussed Jesus’ response to the repentant heart.
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 14:72 – 15:1 <<
Peter’s Repentance & Sanhedrin’s Betrayal
Mark 14:72 – 15:1
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
PowerPoint Presentation:
Pontius Pilate Inscription Stone:

Close-up of the Pilate Inscription (replica at Caesarea Maritima)
Image Credits:

* Images used under license exclusively by FreeBibleimages for teaching purposes only. All rights reserved. www.LumoProject.com
* Pilate Stone (original) by BRBurton – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22817908
* Pilate Stone (replica) by Marion Doss – http://www.flickr.com/photos/ooocha/2823419399, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4689155 

This week we studied the juxtaposition of Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin in the high priest’s home and Peter’s trial before the servants and guards in the courtyard. We saw how once again, the rich and powerful rejected the truth, while the humble and lowly pursued it. We saw how Mark’s technique of sandwiching helps us give us a rich perspective on what was happening in each of these “trials” in chapter 14.
To learn more about Mark’s “sandwiching” technique,
read this article in Novum Testamentum by James R. Edwards:
“Markan Sandwiches: The Significance of Interpolations in Markan Narratives.”
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 14:53-72 <<
Juxtaposition of Jesus’ and Peter’s “Trials”
Mark 14:53-72
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
PowerPoint Presentation:
Bonus: First Century Courtyard in Jerusalem
Video Clip from David Suchet’s “In the Footsteps of St. Peter, Part I”:

Click here to watch the full-length documentary:
“In the Footsteps of St. Peter, Episode 1.”
Image Credits:

* Images used under license exclusively by FreeBibleimages for teaching purposes only. All rights reserved. www.LumoProject.com

This week we focused on the physical context of the “trial” of Jesus in the home/palace of the High Priest (Caiaphas) while Peter stood outside in the courtyard denying Him. We discussed the Sanhedrin as a law-enforcing group within Judaism, as well as their inability to follow their own rules. We briefly reviewed the literary technique called “Markan Sandwiches,” since the Trial/Denial scene constitutes one of three “sandwiches” in chapter 14.
To learn more about Mark’s “sandwiching” technique,
read this article in Novum Testamentum by James R. Edwards:
“Markan Sandwiches: The Significance of Interpolations in Markan Narratives.”
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 14:53-65 <<
Background to the “Trial” of Jesus by the Sanhedrin
Mark 14:53-65 
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
Video Clip:

Video Clip from David Suchet’s “In the Footsteps of St. Peter, Part I”:

Click here to watch the full-length documentary:
“In the Footsteps of St. Peter, Episode 1.”
PowerPoint Presentation:

This week we did a quick overview of the rest of Mark 14. We looked at a literary technique Mark uses in his Gospel to “SANDWICH” one story into the middle of another with an intentional and discernible theological purpose. The sandwiches emphasize the MAJOR THEMES of Mark’s Gospel— especially the meaning of faith, discipleship, bearing witness, and the dangers of apostasy.
To learn more about this literary technique, read this article in Novum Testamentum by James R. Edwards:
“Markan Sandwiches: The Significance of Interpolations in Markan Narratives.”
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 14:12-72 <<
Overview of Mark 14:12-72 ~ The Markan Sandwich (2)
Prayer in Gethsemane, Arrest, “Trial” under Sanhedrin, Peter’s Denials

* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
Overview of Mark 14:12-72
Hebrew Day vs. Gregorian Day

This week we studied Judas’ betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. We looked at the significance of the number 3 in Scripture and how the theme of threes in Mark underscores God’s perfect plan. We also studied Judas’ kiss—and how it could have been the first sign of Judas’ realization of the gravity of what he had just done.
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 14:42-52 <<
God’s Perfect Plan Sealed with a Fervent KissMark 14:42-52

* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
There is no PowerPoint for this week.
Here’s a link to the CARM article I mentioned during the lesson:“What Is Biblical Numerology?” by Matt Slickhttps://carm.org/what-biblical-numerology
The Ultimate Betrayal: Judas’ Kiss
Judas betrays Jesus with a fervent kiss.
And because I cannot teach a lesson about Judas’ kiss without this song playing in the back of my head, here’s a throwback to the 1980s with a classic Christian Rock song by Petra: “Judas’ Kiss.”

This week we studied Jesus’ prayer time in Gethsemane. We looked at what Jesus asked and how His followers responded. Additionally, we saw HOW Jesus prayed, and how it matched up very closely with the model prayer He shared with His followers (a.k.a. “The Lord’s Prayer”).
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, NKJV, and NASB: Mark 14:32-42 <<
Personal Agony. Oblivious Friends.
Mark 14:32-42
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
Gethsemane: Jesus Prays & Disciples Sleep  (PowerPoint Presentation)

Gethsemane is located on the Mt. of Olives approx. 1/2 mile from the Temple Mount

Rick Warren quote mentioned in this lesson.

This week we studied Jesus’ Gethsemane prediction of Peter’s imminent denials and the forthcoming abandonment by His apostles. As they entered the Garden, the group of followers thinned out to only four: Peter, James, John, and Jesus. As they moved farther into the Garden, we observed how Jesus allowed this “inner circle of friends” to see some of His physical/mental/emotional agony before He went to pray alone.
>>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 14:26-34 <<
From the Upper Room to Gethsemane
Mark 14:26-34

This audio includes a 2-minute video clip from The Passion. The video is included below for your convenience.
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
Upper Room to Gethsemane (PowerPoint Presentation)

Gethsemane is located on the Mt. of Olives approx. 1/2 mile from the Temple Mount

Video Clip from The Passion (Jesus in Gethsemane)
NOTE: This video has a content warning on Youtube. If you have read the passage for today’s lesson (see link above), you should be fine. This scene does not include any violence or depiction of satan. Click “I understand and wish to proceed” when prompted.

This week we studied the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist). We compared the four accounts preserved in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul. We noted the similarities and the differences between the accounts. We focused on the three-fold purpose of the ordinance: Memorial (remembrance), Eschatological (anticipation), and Christological (present experience). We discussed the importance of the Lord’s Supper in the life of every believer.
From Last Supper to Lord’s Supper:
Jesus’ Institution of the Eucharist
Mark 14:22-26

* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:22-26 (NIV)
The Lord’s Supper (PowerPoint Presentation)
Referenced Works:
For a complete list of referenced works, see the last slide of the PowerPoint presentation (above).

This week we studied one of the most famous stories in the New Testament: the anointing of Jesus in Bethany. We compared this extravagant offering with the offering of the poor widow at the end of Mark 12. Then, we contrasted these self-less gifts with the prideful gifts of the rich and the rulers (also in Mark 12). Jesus used these contrasting events to help teach his followers the meaning of true worship and discipleship. He also used this particular event as an opportunity to remind His disciples of His impending death, burial, and resurrection.
Mark 14:1-11 ~ Jesus Anointed at Bethany
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Holy Week Timeline – Click to enlarge:

HANDOUT: Jewish Festivals

HANDOUT: Jewish Feasts

(This lesson was originally published on Mar 6, 2016 @ 20:09)

This week, we continued our verse-by-verse study in the Gospel according to Mark. Due to a decision we made earlier this year to study the Resurrection on Resurrection Sunday, we’ve already “surveyed” Mark 14-16. Since we spent so much time looking at Mark 14:1-11 a couple months ago, I didn’t spend too much time on it today.

Today’s lesson came to focus on the prediction Jesus made about His betrayal. This was a “catch-up” lesson for us, so the first half moves along pretty swiftly. It also takes us back to when I began using PowerPoints in class to move the lessons along. The PowerPoint below can be used for both lessons.
Jesus Predicts Judas’ Betrayal
Mark 14:1-17 ~ “Is it I?”
Note on audio: The actual lesson begins at 4 minutes if you want to skip past the introductory comments. Content has been edited for time and privacy of class members.
Overview of Mark 14

Jewish Time vs. Roman Time

 
 
 
 
 
Handout: Timeline of Holy Week
Handout: Jewish Festivals 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Handout: Calendar of Jewish Feasts

 
Jewish Festivals

This week, we concluded our verse-by-verse study of Mark 13. We rehashed the dangers of trying to figure out exactly when Jesus is coming back to the neglect of sharing the gospel of HOPE with others while, at the same time, acknowledging the fact that we have been commanded (multiple times by Jesus Himself) to “Keep watch!”
Towards the end of the lesson (after finishing 13:37), we “zoomed back out” to view at the chapter as a whole one more time. We looked at how chapter 13 fits into the rest of Mark’s Gospel theologically, how Jesus’ answer can be analyzed and understood, which warnings are applicable for us today, and how we can understand the purpose behind the delay of the Parousia.
“Take heed, watch, and pray!”
Note on audio: The actual lesson begins at 4 minutes if you want to skip past the introductory comments. Content has been edited for time and privacy of class members.
Review of Mark 13 (PowerPoint Presentation)
Map of First Century Jerusalem

Map of First Century Jerusalem
 

This week, we continued our verse-by-verse study of Mark 13. We discussed the difference between the tribulations experienced during the siege* of Jerusalem in AD 70 as compared to the Tribulation prophesied at the end times. Although same exact word thlipsis is used in both 13:19 and 13:24, each is referring to a different time period. We looked at prophecy fulfilled as well as prophecy yet to be fulfilled. We also discussed apocalyptic imagery and whether or not it should be taken literally. Towards the end of the lesson, we touched on the danger of getting caught up in trying to figure out when Jesus is coming back to the neglect of sharing the gospel of HOPE with others. 
Content has been edited for time and privacy of class members.
* CORRECTION:
During the lesson I asked a random question about the number of gates in Jerusalem at that time. This was unplanned, and it’s been years since I studied the number of gates. I mistakenly stated that there were 12 gates; however, that number comes from Revelation 12:12 and refers to the NEW Temple (which has not yet been built). Here are a couple articles which detail the names and functions of the various gates at the time of Christ: Gates of Jerusalem and Jerusalem’s Walls.
BONUS:
How can we talk about the gates surrounding Jerusalem without taking a few minutes to enjoy this amazing performance of “Oh, What a Beautiful City” by the talented and gifted opera greats Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle. I’m assuming this song was written about the NEW Jerusalem! 🙂

In this lesson, we discussed the theological tensions that arise in verse 13 with the phrase “he who endures to the end will be saved.” Then, we take time to examine the historical context of Jesus’ prophecy regarding the “abomination of desolation.” We remember Daniel’s prophecy and its fulfillment in 167 B.C.; we remember Jesus’ prophecy and its fulfillment ca. 66-68 B.C.; and then we discuss how another “abomination of desolation” poses a VERY REAL THREAT in the life of every Christian—even today in the 21st century.
*This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content. (Many, not all, um’s have been removed!)
Abomination of Desolation