Grab our RSS feedGospels Tell, Epistles Spell
Other than a few details of the gory events, and providing enough detail to evidence the verifiable historicity of the events, the gospels have relatively little to say to us by way of spiritual application of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. At times it feels a little bit truncated to read the crucifixion chapters of the gospels. The believing heart wants to see the application. Don't fret, that's what the remainder of the Bible is for.
As a church we are nearing the end of Mark's gospel. Messianic prophecy has found its fulfillment in Jesus, and His followers have recognized Him as Israel's long-awaited Savior. But, as we will soon see, Mark does not over-dramatize his climax. He is not interested in drumming up sentimentality. For Mark, hype will not rule over substance.
Himself, a receipient of God's grace through faith in Christ, Mark makes not one word of application in his crucifixion account (ch. 15). Simply, he states, "...they crucified Him..." (Mark 15:24). That's it. Staggeringly simple. Keep in mind that along with the resurrection, this is a tantamount moment in redemptive history, and Mark has three words for us!? Apart from inspiration, he would not have been able to constrain himself.
The remainder of the New Testament explains for us the meaning and implications of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Thank God for the entire Bible! Hebrews contains one of the single greatest three-verse explainations of the sin-destroying effect of the crucifixion that I'm aware of. I would encourage you to commit it to memory sometime.
For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:24-26)
Mark (and the other gospel writers) gives us the explaination of the "how." The remainder of the NT gives us the "why." Tolle lege!
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