Mark 15:33-41

Bringing the sermon home:

At the heart of this passage are the parallels with the first Passover. The 3 hours of darkness that fell over the land of Israel in the middle of the day just before Jesus died mirror the 3 days of darkness that fell over the land of Egypt just before the 10th and final plague, where every house experienced either the death of their firstborn son or the death of a Passover lamb. Here, our Passover Lamb is the very Son of God.

He willingly endured forsakenness from the Father so that we never have to. The sufferings we face in this life can be severe, but for those who have been united to Christ through faith, you can be assured that He will never leave you or forsake you. His spiritual presence will comfort and uphold you until the day He brings you into His visible presence forever. This is what He accomplished on your behalf on that cross.

In the moment of His death, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, signifying that access to God’s presence has been opened for all who desire it. You need not travel to the so-called “Holy Land” or spill the blood of an animal or rely on some priest to grant you access. You need to simply receive Jesus has your Great High Priest, trusting in the perfect sacrifice He offered once for all: the sacrifice of Himself.

Let go of your guilt. Let go of your shame. Draw near to God through Jesus.

Outline:

1. Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. (vv. 33-37)
2. The entrance to God’s presence has been opened, so draw near! (v. 38)
3. We draw near through faith in our Priest’s sacrifice: Himself. (vv. 39-41)