God in the Flesh: The Christ Who Died (Mark 15:33-47)
In Christ’s death we see…
… Christ our champion: with us (15:37-44)
… Christ our substitute: instead of us (15:33-39)
… Christ our life: union with Him (Romans 6:3, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:3)
Discussion Questions
One of the points that pastor Jeff made in the introduction, is that we try to avoid talking about, considering, or contemplating death in our culture. Do you agree? If so, why do you think this is?
Pastor Jeff brought up the ancient Christian tradition of memento mori — contemplating our death— and Psalm 90:12. Do you think it is important for people to think about death? Why or why not? Do you think you have adequately considered your own mortality? Explain.
Read Mark 15:33-47. In what way do you see that Jesus shared in a common, human, physical death in this passage? How does this show Jesus’ complete experience as a real human in solidarity with us?
How does the reality that Jesus remained faithful to the Father all the way through life and in the throes of death give you hope? Have you ever feared the experience of death? How does Jesus’ experience speak to your fear?
How does Mark 15:33-47 speak of the uniqueness of Jesus’ death and his death—not merely with us—but for us?
Consider Romans 6:3, 2 Corinthians 5:14, and Galatians 2:20. How does the death of Christ relate to a believer’s union with him? If you are a believer, in what way have you died with Christ?
As believers, if we have in some way ‘died with Christ,’ what are the implications of that for our daily lives? Try to give very concrete, on the ground examples. How does this make a difference for our every day life?
How is God calling you to respond to this message?
