LifeWay Bible Studies for Life Series for October 25: The Hero victorious

In athletic events, we often see dramatic comebacks. One team, seemingly hopelessly defeated, responds to snatch victory from defeat. Such events produce the thrill of victory.

In a far more significant realm, the cause of Jesus seemed to have failed. His followers were scattered. He was in the hands of Jewish leaders and Roman governors. Everything pointed to disaster and defeat.

Into this scene of disaster and disappointment came God’s decisive victory. The crucified defeated Jewish teacher was transformed into the victorious resurrected Christ. The cross assured the victory of Christ. In this victory, Christ promises believers that if they follow his example, they too can be victorious even in the face of the most pressing situations.

Remain steadfast in commitment (Mark 15:1-5)

Jesus’ situation was desperate.  He had been arrested, tried and found guilty. The entire group of Jewish leaders reached a decision (came to a verdict). Even if this group convened an additional meeting after daylight to get around the illegality of holding a trial at night, they still transgressed regulations that prohibited trials on the day of or the day before a feast. Because the Jewish system could not pronounce a death sentence, they handed Jesus over (or perhaps betrayed him) to Pilate, the Roman official.

Pilate questioned Jesus, asking if he were the King of the Jews. Jesus answered only that it was as Pilate said. To the continuing accusations of the Jews, Jesus answered nothing.

Jesus did not seek to escape the road ahead. He would not sacrifice his integrity or the direction of his service. He remained faithful to his commitment.

Believers today, when faced with difficulties or persecutions related God’s service should draw on Christ’s example. The way to victory is steadfast commitment to the cause without fear of threat. Such commitment opens the door for believers to participate in Christ’s victory.

Be willing to stand alone (Mark 15:12-13, 32)

Incited by the Jewish leaders, the unthinking crowd turned against Jesus and began to mock him. The leaders hoped to discredit Jesus and isolate him from any following. They insulted him and made light of his promises. In the face of their mocking and threatening words, Jesus stood firm and refused to turn from his path.

Believers today face situations in which they must stand alone against those who oppose Christ and what is right. Victorious Christians remain faithful to the will and purposes of God in spite of the world’s efforts to sway them. Victory only comes to those willing to stand with Christ even if no others stand with them. No threat, insult, mockery or false accusation will sway Christians from their commitment to the cause of Christ and the assured victory.

Rest assured of God’s presence (Mark 15:37-39)

Mark pointed to a second cry of Jesus from the cross (v. 24) to show the violence and suddenness of Jesus’ death. He purposely and voluntarily died with the shout of a victor. Mark described in detail the death of Jesus (Mark 15:21-37).

Two amazing events followed the crucifixion of Jesus. The temple curtain was torn from the top to the bottom. The temple had two curtains, one in front of the Holy Place and the second in front of the Holy of Holies. Mark refers to the second that hid the most sacred place in Judaism. The events of the torn curtain and the sudden darkness were actual happenings and not simply symbolic words.

The sacrificial system and the temple had been replaced. The barrier between God and humans was no more. People could approach God through Christ without any priest or sacrifice. The death of Jesus opened the way to God without any human intervention, be it priest or church. The tearing of the curtain from top to bottom indicated the finality of its destruction. Never again would such a curtain be needed (Hebrew 10:19-20).

The second event related to the Roman centurion and his recognition of Jesus as “Son of God.” The centurion might have meant that Jesus showed such courage and strength that he was like “a” Son of God, that is, simply a divine man. The fact that Mark included the event most likely indicates he believed the centurion confessed Jesus as the Son of God. As Peter had recognized Jesus as Messiah and Son of God, now a Roman Centurion so recognized him. As Peter had denied him, now the Roman confessed him.

Christians today stand firm in the faith, knowing they have direct access to God though Jesus Christ the Savior.

Trust in the divine victory (Mark 16:1, 5-7)

The women, going to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, found an empty tomb and an angel pointing them to the victory of Christ’s resurrection. The seeming victory of the Jewish leaders had been turned to the divine victory.

The angel told the disciples to tell others, including the disciples, the amazing news of the empty tomb. The word of Christ’s victory assures believers God will call all to himself. The resurrection is the grand promise that Christians can rise over the discouragements and threats and live in God’s power and eventually stand in God’s presence.

By Christ’s resurrection, Christians are assured victory. We will, therefore, remain faithful in our commitment, stand firm even if called on to stand alone, be certain of God’s unfailing presence and trust totally in the divine victory.