September 6, 2024 - Mark 11-16

In Mark’s narrative, Jesus and his disciples are drawing near to Jerusalem.  The story now picks up and moves quickly to its conclusion.  Well, its conclusion at the end of the Passion Week, but we know the story actually continues.  In fact, it’s an eternal story.  The one who sacrifices his life (he offered himself up; he was not forced against his will) on the cross is the same one who created all things, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and end, Lord and God.  The gospel is firmly rooted in historical events, and they play out quickly, now.

In the temple, the chief priests and the scribes heard Jesus teaching “and were seeking a way to destroy him” (11:18), never realizing that they were actually following the divine script!  “This is my body” (14:22) . . . “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many” (14:24).  Jesus knew exactly what was happening, and he went to the cross willingly for us!  The path, however, was not easy – Jesus to his disciples:  “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (14:34) – nevertheless, relentlessly, Jesus pressed on.  They brought him before Pilate.  They beat him and mocked him.  They nailed him to the cross.  He faced the wrath of his Father for the sins of his people.  He died and was buried.  But on that first morning of the week, the women heard:  “Do not be alarmed.  You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.  He has risen; he is not here” (16:6).  Indeed!

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Let streets and homes with praises ring.

Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! No longer bound

to distant years in Palestine,

but saving, healing, here and now,

and touching every place and time.   –Brian Wren (1968)