
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.
Oct 11, 2016
47 min

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.
Oct 6, 2016
44 min

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
Sep 26, 2016
44 min

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.
Sep 18, 2016
46 min

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.
Sep 12, 2016
54 min

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!
Sep 6, 2016
52 min

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
Aug 30, 2016
42 min

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
Aug 23, 2016
39 min

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
Aug 15, 2016
36 min

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:
Aug 8, 2016
26 min
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