In 2025, we began a journey through the gospels and invited you to join us as we sought to learn from Jesus. Find all our notes, from this year and past years, at the Faith Food tab. Welcome, friends, we're so glad you're journeying with us. Let's grow together!

Our notes on Mark 15 include:

An Overview: Topic, Themes, and Summary.
An Outline of our thoughts and questions.
An Exploration of Symbols of a King
A Reflection on Beholding Jesus
An Invitation to Respond to a God worthy of beholding!

Mark 15

Wintry Scene by Juncala at Pixabay

Overview

General Topic

Jesus does not defend Himself as He's crucified among people who are mostly new or rarely mentioned in His story.

Key Themes

Meekness. Faithfulness. Fulfillment. Abandonment.

Summary

Jesus is brought before Pilate, but remains silent to every charge. Pilate offers Jesus' release, but the crowd demands Barabbas. Jesus is taunted and crucified. The people who bear witness are not the names you would expect to hear. When Jesus died, He felt forsaken of God, but the veil tore from top to bottom, showing God's acceptance of His only Son's sacrifice. Jesus was buried in Joseph's tomb, but not the Joseph who was His father. Mary took note of where He was buried, but not the Mary who was His mother.

Thoughts, Questions, and Connections

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, x a cross reference, and ! a connection. Researched answers are in italics. Behold requires our attention; it marks our partnership with God.

On Pilate Questioning Jesus (Mark 15:1-5)

Read Matthew 27:1, 2; 11-15 for another perspective. (See our Matthew 27 notes.)

A large, authoritative crowd gathered to bind Jesus and lead Him to Pilate.

*Surely they were feeling victorious.

There, Jesus was questioned and charged.

The charge was treason for saying He was 'king of the Jews'. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

But, Jesus provided no defense, which shocked Pilate.

x He was painfully abused, but he did not complain. He was silent like a lamb being led to the butcher, as quiet as a sheep having its wool cut off. Isaiah 53:7 CEV
Not answering was a common response of a martyr. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

On the Crowd Choosing Jesus' Crucifixion (Mark 15:6-15)

Read Matthew 27:16-26 for another perspective. (See our Matthew 27 notes.)

As was customary during Passover, Pilate presented prisoners for possible release at the crowd's request.

? Did the priests have in mind to free Barabbas from the beginning?
In a way, the people were choosing between a violent or peaceful revolution. It is not surprising they chose as they did. The Voice

Pilate first presented Jesus because he knew that the priests' jealousy was the reason Jesus was there.
But the chief priests told the crowd to ask for Barabbas.

? How did Barabbas feel, I wonder, that Jesus took his place.
It was easier to turn a Judean crowd than a Galilean crowd. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

"So what, then, do I do with Jesus?" Pilate wondered.
"Crucify Him!"
"Why?"
The crowd shouted louder, "Crucify Him!"
To please the crowd, Pilate submitted to their demands. He sent Jesus to be whipped and set Barabbas free.

On the Soldiers Mocking Jesus (Mark 15:16-21)

Read Matthew 27:27-30 for another perspective. (See our Matthew 27 notes.)

The soldiers tormented and taunted Jesus using:

a purple robe (or scarlet)

x The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him. John 19:2 CEV
x They stripped off Jesus' clothes and put a scarlet robe on him. Matthew 27:28 CEV
Could be translated both ways. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

a crown of thorns
a title of "King of the Jews"
a stick to beat Him
spit to insult Him
a obeisant posture to mock Him.

x So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, "Jesus Christ is Lord!" Philippians 2:10-11 CEV

? I wonder what a verse study on each of these objects would reveal.

Then, they dressed Jesus in His own clothes and led Him to His crucifixion, making Simon of Cyrene carry His cross.

? Who was Simon of Cyrene and why is he named? Perhaps an attempt of Mark's to highlight the significant role of everyday characters.

Simon, as mentioned, was the father of Rufus and Alexander. In Romans, Paul addresses Rufus and Alexander. Mark mentions it to highlight a significant Roman role in Jesus' crucifixion because reaching the Roman audience is the primary intent of Mark's gospel. From "Episode 85: Mark - Roman Gospel" of the BEMA Discipleship Podcast
x Greet Rufus, that special servant of the Lord, and greet his mother, who has been like a mother to me. Romans 16:13 CEV

x "I alone trampled the grapes! None of the nations helped. I trampled nations in my anger and stained my clothes with their blood." Isaiah 63:3 CEV (See our Isaiah 63 notes.)

On Jesus' Crucifixion (Mark 15:22-32)

Read Matthew 27:31-44 for another perspective. (See our Matthew 27 notes.)

At Golgotha, Jesus' execution site, they offered drugged wine to dull the pain. Jesus refused it.

x Beer and wine are only for the dying or for those who have lost all hope. Let them drink and forget how poor and miserable they feel. Proverbs 31:6-7 CEV

At about 9 AM, they nailed Him to the cross and cast lots for His clothes.

x They took my clothes and gambled for them. Psalm 22:18 CEV
x They drew names, and Matthias was chosen to join the group of the eleven apostles. Acts 1:26 CEV
It was typical to crucify criminals naked because it added shame and torture to the execution. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

A sign on the cross bore His crime: being "King of the Jews".

*He was arrested and executed for truth, a truth that should be praised.
x He said, "The time has come! God's kingdom will son be here. Turn back to God and believe the good news!" Mark 1:15 CEV

Jesus died with a criminal on either side while passersby threw taunts His way telling Him to use His power to save Himself.

x Everyone who sees me makes fun and sneers. They shake their heads, Psalm 22:7 CEV
x The devil said, "If you are God's Son, jump off. The Scriptures say: 'God will give his angels orders about you. They will catch you in their arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones.'" Matthew 4:6 CEV
An inversion of the truth, in order to save others, Jesus could not save Himself. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

The temple authorities likewise challenged, saying if He would just save Himself, then they would believe.

x "You will listen and listen, but never understand. You will look and look, but never see." Isaiah 6:9 CEV
x Then the rich man said, "No, [reading Moses and the prophets] is not enough! If only someone from the dead would go to [my family], they would listen and turn to God." So Abraham said, "If they won't pay attention to Moses and the prophets, they won't listen even to someone who comes back from the dead." Luke 16:30-31 CEV

The criminals on both sides of Him were also cruel.

On Jesus' Death (Mark 15:33-41)

Read Matthew 27:45-56 for another perspective. (See our Matthew 27 notes.)

At 12:00 PM, the sky darkened and Jesus cried out: God why have you forsaken me!

x Both the moon and sun will be embarrassed and ashamed. The LORD All-Powerful will rule on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where he will show its rulers his wonderful glory. Isaiah 24:23 CEV
* God hears us when we cry!

Onlookers misheard, thought He cried for Elijah, and brought Him a vinegar-soaked sponge to rehydrate Him so they might witness Elijah's rescue of Jesus.

x My God, my God, why have you deserted me? Why are you so far away? Won't you listen to my groans and come to my rescue? I cry out day and night, but you don't answer, and I can never rest. Yet you are the holy God, ruling from your throne and praised by Israel. Psalm 22:1-3 CEV
x Be brave and strong! don't be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 CEV
x I will accept you as my wife forever, and instead of a bride price I will give you justice, fairness, love, kindness, and faithfulness. Then you will truly know who I am. Hosea 2:19-20 CEV
x I, the LORD, promise to send the prophet Elijah before that great and terrible day comes. He will lead children and parents to love each other more, so that when I come, I won't bring destruction to the land. Malachi 4:5-6 CEV
Rabbinical tradition testified that Elijah would act like an angel to help rabbis in need. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

But Jesus cried out and then died.

* The NIV reads that Jesus, "breathed His last," which reminds me that human begins and ends with breath. Breath represents the Spirit.

Immediately, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom.
A Roman soldier proclaimed, "He was the Son of God!"
Many of the women who followed Jesus watched from a distance: Mary Magdalene, another Mary, and Salome.

"Insignificant" names were mentioned, perhaps to draw attention to the absence of the expected names.
It was scandalous for them to be there. Yet, women were not viewed as threats. Still, women who exhibited courage were seen as exceptional. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

On Jesus' Burial (Mark 15:42-47)

Read Matthew 27:57-61 for another perspective. (See our Matthew 27 notes.)

Friday evening, Joseph of Arimathea, asked Pilate for Jesus' body.

* Another unexpected and first mentioned name, Joseph of Arimathea.
* The KJV says that Joseph "craved the body of Jesus" - and don't we all, though many wouldn't admit it.
* By asking for Jesus' body, this highly respected man was aligning himself with Jesus, a criminal. Would I be as brave?

Pilate was shocked that Jesus was already dead and asked an officer how long it had been since Jesus died.

? Did He die quickly?

Then, Pilate released Jesus' body to Joseph.

! Jesus was buried in the tomb of a man who bore his earthly father's name.

Joseph prepared Jesus' body for burial by wrapping it in a linen cloth, lying it in a tomb cut into solid rock, and securing it with a big stone.

x If you want to do right and obey the LORD, follow Abraham's example. He was the rock from which you were chipped. Isaiah 51:1 CEV (For an exploration of this verse, see "A Stone in the Wall".)
x Shebna, what gives you the right to have a tomb carved out of rock in this burial place of royalty? None of your relatives are buried here. You may be powerful, but the LORD is about to snatch you up and throw you away. Isaiah 22:16-17 CEV (See also our Isaiah 22 notes.)
Likely, this was Joseph of Arimathea's own tomb. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

x [An old prophet] buried the body [of a prophet from Judah] in his own family tomb and cried for the prophet. He said to his sons, "When I die, bury my body next to this prophet." I Kings 13:30-31 CEV
x He wasn't dishonest or violent, but he was buried in a tomb among cruel, rich people. Isaiah 53:9 CEV
x Then Joseph put the body in his own tomb that had been cut into solid rock and had never been used. He rolled a big stone against the entrance to the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:60 CEV

The Marys and Joseph beheld! where Jesus' body was placed.

Explore

What else the Bible has to say about the objects mentioned when Jesus was mocked by the Roman soldiers.

Verses of Reference

The soldiers led Jesus inside the courtyard of the fortress and called together the rest of the troops. They put a purple robe on him, and on his head they placed a crown they had made out of thorn branches. They made fun of Jesus and shouted, "Hey, you king of the Jews!" Then they beat him on the head with a stick. They spit on him and knelt down and pretended to worship him. Mark 15:16-19 CEV (See also John 19:2-3.)

The Purple or Scarlet Robe

*Note: The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible notes that scarlet could easily be translated purple, and vice versa.

Purple or Scarlet

The top of the sacred tent must be made from ten pieces of the finest linen, woven with blue, purple, and red wool and embroidered with figures of winged creatures. Exodus 26:1 CEV
And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer. Numbers 19:6 KJV
The spies said: You made us promise to let you and your family live. We will keep our promise, but you can't tell anyone why we were here. You must tie this red rope on your window when we attack, and your father and mother, your brothers, and everyone else in your family must be here with you. We'll take the blame if anyone who stays in this house gets hurt. But anyone who leaves your house will be killed and it won't be our fault. "I'll do exactly what you said," Rahab promised. Then she sent them on their way and tied the red rope to the window. Joshua 2:18-21 CEV
I, the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over. Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool. Isaiah 1:18 CEV
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. Proverbs 31:21 KJV (See our Proverbs 31:21 notes.)

Clothed with Scarlet (or Purple)

With the help of the Spirit, the angel took me into a desert, where I saw a woman sitting on a red beast. The beast was covered with names that were an insult to God, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet robes, and she wore jewelry made of gold, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup filled with the filthy and nasty things she had done. Revelation 17:3-4 CEV
The total weight of this gold was nearly 20 kilograms. In addition, there was the gold from the camels' ornaments and from the beautiful jewelry worn by the Midianite kings. Gideon also took their purple robes. Judges 8:26 CEV

Robes

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Luke 15:22 KJV (View a sermon series on the robe, ring, shoes, and using them for our Godly W.A.L.K.)
On the part of the robe that covered his thigh was written, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:16 CEV
[Jonathan] took off the robe he wore and gave it to David, and also his armor, sword, bow, and belt, symbolically transferring to David his right to ascend the throne. I Samuel 18:4 VOICE
To take over and and assume your authority and office, I will clothe him in your royal robes and fasten your sash securely around him. He will be a father to the people: He will have authority over Jerusalem and Judah. Isaiah 22:21 VOICE

* Conclusion: A robe covers you in the blessing of another. It bestows authority and belonging. Red represents purification, redemption, and an elevated status. Purple signifies royalty.

The Crown of Thorns

Crown

When this time comes, the LORD All-Powerful will be a glorious crown for his people who survive. Isaiah 28:5 CEV
You will be a glorious crown, a royal headband for the LORD your God. Isaiah 62:3 CEV
After all, when the Lord Jesus appears, who else but you will give us hope and joy and be like a glorious crown for us? I Thessalonians 2:19 CEV
If you value Wisdom and hold tightly to her, great honors will be yours. It will be like wearing a glorious crown of beautiful flowers. Proverbs 4:9 CEV

Thorns

The LORD said to the man, "You listened to your wife and ate the fruit I told you not to eat. And so, the ground will be under a curse because of what you did. As long as you live, you will have to struggle to grow enough food. Your food will be plants, but the ground will produce thorns and thistles. Genesis 3:17-18 CEV
Gideon made a whip from thorn plants and used it to beat the town officials. Judges 8:16 CEV
The most honest of them is worse than a thorn patch. Your doom has come! Lookouts sound the warning, and everyone panics! Micah 7:4 CEV
A lazy person refuses to clear a thorny path, but everyone who does right walks on a smooth road. Proverbs 15:19 CEV
The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. Matthew 13:22 CEV

Rescue

Why do the nations plot, and why do their people make useless plans? The kings of this earth have all joined together to turn against the LORD and his chosen king. They say, "Let's cut the ropes and set ourselves free!" In heaven the LORD laughs as he sits on his throne, making fun of the nations. Psalm 2:1-4 CEV
Everyone in Israel should then know for certain that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, even though you put him to death on a cross. Acts 2:36 CEV
But Christ rescued us from the Law's curse, when he became a curse in our place. This is because the Scriptures say that anyone who is nailed to a tree is under a curse. Galatians 3:13 CEV
He had eyes like flames of fire, and he was wearing a lot of crowns. His name was written on him, but he was the only one who knew what the name meant. Revelations 19:12 CEV
What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels. Because of God's gift of undeserved grace, Jesus died for everyone. And now that Jesus has suffered and died, he is crowned with glory and honor! Everything belongs to God, and all things were created by his power. So God did the right thing when he made Jesus perfect by suffering, as Jesus led many of God's children to be saved and to share in his glory. Hebrews 2:9-10 CEV (See also I Peter 2:4.)

*Conclusion: A crown showcases honor, respect, awe, pride, and favor, while thorns represent barriers, judgment, confusion, and struggle. Jesus wearing a crown of thorns signifies that He will loosen all your binds if you honor Him.

"King of the Jews"

The King

Then there will be only one LORD who rules as King and whose name is worshiped everyone on earth. Zechariah 14:9 CEV
Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power. Romans 13:1 CEV
Someday I will appoint an honest king from the family of David, a king who will be wise and rule with justice. Jeremiah 23:5 CEV

Of the Jews

Descendants of Jacob, I am the LORD All-Powerful, and I never change. That's why you haven't been wiped out. Malachi 3:6 CEV
Now if you faithfully obey me, you will be my very own people. The whole world is mine, but you will be my holy nation and serve me as priests. Exodus 19:5-6 CEV
Just because you live like a Jew and are circumcised doesn't make you a real Jew. To be a real Jew you must obey the Law. True circumcisions is something that happens deep in your heart, not something done to your body. And besides, you should want praise from God and not from humans. Romans 2:28-29 CEV

Both

Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and shout! Your king has won a victory, and he is coming to you. He is humble and rides on a donkey; he comes on the colt of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 CEV
Jesus answered, "My kingdom doesn't belong to this world. If it did, my followers would have fought to keep me from being handed over to our leaders. No, my kingdom doesn't belong to this world." "So you are a king," Pilate replied. "You are saying that I am a king," Jesus told him. "I was born into this world to tell about the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth knows my voice." John 18:36-37 CEV
Pilate ordered the charge against Jesus to be written on a board and put above the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The words were written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The place where Jesus was taken wasn't far from the city, and many of the people read the charge against him. So the chief priests went to Pilate and said, "Why did you write that he is King of the Jews? You should have written, 'He claimed to be King of the Jews.'" But Pilate told them, "What is written will not be changed!" But John19:19-22 CEV
At the sound of the seventh trumpet, loud voices were heard in heaven. They said, "Now the kingdom of this world belongs to our Lord and to his Chosen One! And he will rule forever and ever!" Revelation 11:15 CEV
These kings will go to war against the Lamb. But he will defeat them, because hie is Lord over all lords and King over all kings. His followers are chosen and special and faithful. Revelation 17:14 CEV

*Conclusion: A king has power, authority, and dominion. Jews are safe, treasured, chosen, and sincere. Behold! He who has all power protects us because we had a heart change toward Him.

Beat with a Stick

Correct you children before it's too late; if you don't punish them, trouble will come their way. Proverbs 19:18 CEV (See also Proverbs 23:13-14.)
If you have good sense, it will show when you speak. But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick. Proverbs 10:13 CEV
Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. II Corinthians 11:25 CEV
Death is the punishment for beating to death any of your slaves. However, if the slave lives a few days after the beating, you are not to be punished. After all, you have already lost the services of that slave who was your property. Exodus 21:20-21 CEV
I let them beat my back and pull out my beard. I didn't turn aside when they insulted me and spit in my face. Isaiah 50:6 CEV
He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well. Isaiah 53:5 CEV
You rejected Jesus, who was holy and good. You asked for a murderer to be set free, and you killed the one who leads people to life. But God raised him from death, and all of us can tell you what he has done. Acts 3:14-15 CEV

*Conclusion: Being beaten with a stick is used to indicate correction, punishment, and suffering.

Knelt in Mock Worship

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Psalm 95:6 CEV
But when the week was over, we started on our way again. All the men, together with their wives and children, walked with us from the town to the seashore. We knelt on the beach and prayed. Acts 21:5 CEV
A man with leprosy came to Jesus and knelt down. He begged, "You have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to. Mark 1:40 CEV
So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, "Jesus Christ is Lord!" Philippians 2:10-11 CEV
It is for your sake alone that I am insulted and blush with shame. I am like a stranger to my relatives and like a foreigner to my own family. My love for your house burns in me like a fire, and when others insult you, they insulted me as well. Psalm 69:7-9 CEV

*Concluding Thoughts: While performed in jest, the soldiers' ridicule can actually serve as a proclamation of who Jesus is: The Everlasting King of Kings - indicated by the purple robe, crown, and title - who breaks the curse of humanity - symbolized by the thorns and scarlet - by being willingly humiliated, mistreated, and abased when He was beat and spit on, so that one day everyone will kneel to Him genuinely.

Sources:

BibleHub.com
OpenBible.com

Reflection

In the last chapter, we witnessed unknown people rising up to do incredible acts of worship toward Jesus. In this chapter, the "unknown" or "lesser" characters show Jesus loyalty in stunning ways, and we can't help but make the connection that every one of us is given the opportunity to respond in loyalty to Jesus too.

First, there's Pilate, the Roman ruler who tried to free Jesus from what he recognized as an unjust arrest and punishment. Pilate:

Urged Jesus to defend Himself. (Mark 15:4)
Offered Jesus' release to the crowd. (Mark 15:9)
Questioned the crowd's choice. (Mark 15:14)
Double-checked the time of Jesus death because of how rapidly it transpired. (Mark 15:44)
Released Jesus body to Joseph of Arimathea. (Mark 15:45)

I wonder if Pilate felt considerable remorse over his choice to crucify Jesus.

Then, there's Barabbas, the man who was released when it could have been Jesus. Barabbas:

Murdered officials during an insurrection.
Embodied the Jews' desired image of the Messiah: a military hero willing to exact revenge.
Earned freedom from a death sentence by the priests' influence over the crowd. (Mark 15:11)

I wonder if Barabbas felt deserving of release, especially considering it meant death for Jesus.

Next, there's Simon of Cyrene, the one who carried Jesus' cross. Simon:

Fathered two sons: Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21)
Carried Jesus cross though only a sojourner, a farmer coming to market. (Mark 15:21)

I wonder if Simon felt honored.

Fourth, we see the women: Mary Magdalene, another Mary, and Salome who all witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and burial. These women:

Mothered James and Joseph, Mary specifically. (Mark 15:41)
Followed Jesus. (Mark 15:40)
Ministered and supported Jesus financially. (Mark 15:40)

I wonder if they felt that they lost their own son, husband, or brother. I wonder how deeply their hearts ached.

Then, there's Joseph of Arimathea who bravely asked to bury Christ's body. Joseph:

Resided on the Jewish council as a highly respected member. (Mark 15:43)
Anticipated the coming of God's kingdom. (Mark 15:43)
Wrapped Jesus' body in a fine linen cloth that he had purchased. (Mark 15:44)
Laid Jesus to rest in a tomb dug out from stone, a carefully hewn tomb. (See Isaiah
Shut the door (like God did for Noah) by rolling a large stone over the entrance. (Mark 15:

I wonder what the fallout of his bravery was? Did his popularity plummet, and if it did, did he care?

Finally, there's us, those who profess to follow Jesus and those who know of Him. We each behold! Him. How we respond teaches us not only more about ourselves and but also about who He is to us. I think Pilate beheld! Jesus' as authority, the crowd beheld! Jesus as a mockery, the priests beheld! Jesus as an enemy, Barabbas beheld! Jesus as savior, Simon beheld! Jesus as humble, the centurion beheld! Jesus as truth, the women beheld! Jesus as suffering, and Joseph beheld! Jesus as worthy.

Who is Jesus to you? How do you respond to Him, and what does your response reveal about how you behold! Him?

Respond

Connect

God is worth beholding!

Reflect

Jesus did not fight. Even though everything was working against Him and He had so many opportunities to save Himself, Jesus did not fight. Instead, He showed us what it means to choose the Kingdom of Shalom over the Kingdom of Empire by faithfully following God's will. Where in your life do you want to fight, but you know God has called you to walk through this trial? Pray for strength to carry on, the confidence of knowing you are not alone, and rest in the promise of hope for the JOY that is sure to come.
So many people beheld! Jesus in His moment of agony. Take time to behold! Jesus right now. What do you learn about Him? About yourself? How will you respond?
The curtain is torn! Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we have full access to God. How often do you approach the throne? What holds you back? Approach boldly and sit with the Lord your God, your Maker. He's waiting for you.

Act

Arise! Fight your fight faithfully.
Arise! Behold Jesus.
Arise! Approach your Maker.

In Closing

Father God, You made a way for us from the very beginning of the world to become your children. Today, we approach Your throne with confidence because we've beheld! the love poured out through Your Son. Give us strength in our battles. May we look always to Jesus so that we fight them the way you want us to: armed with forgiveness, love, and faithfulness.

Sample these related posts:

Mark 14 | The Wolfe Notes

Review Mark 14. Includes an overview, an outline of our thoughts, an exploration of unnamed people in the Bible, a reflection on redemption, and an invitation to respond to the God who sees, is seen, and will be seen.

Proverbs 31:21 | The Wolfe Notes

Delve into a word study on scarlet, like the scarlet robes Jesus was forced to wear. We were surprised by what we found. This post also includes a reflection of "Breathe" by Michael W. Smith, a literal interpretation of the verse, research on fear of snow in Israel, a word study on household, and the verse in four other versions along with our own interpretations.

Proverbs 31:13 | The Wolfe Notes

Discover why we should seek wool and flax as we seek what it means to be hardworking from a Proverbs perspective. This post also includes a literal interpretation of the verse, word studies on seeking and working, and the verse in six different versions along with interpretations of our own.

Hot Air Balloon Day | JOY for Today

Practice surrendering your will for His as we consider the operation of hot air balloons. This post also includes hot air balloon inspired facts, quotes, scripture and activity suggestions.

National Day of Prayer | JOY for Today

Connect with our struggle to pray at this post along with tools we use to overcome the struggle. This post also includes prayer inspired facts, verses, quotes, and activity suggestions. Sidenote: I just listened to a podcast today that shared that the purpose behind Jesus saying the Lord's prayer was to reassure the disciples that they already knew how to pray, so they should just do it. He recited a prayer they said regularly - with one addition. Listen to BEMA Discipleship's episode, "Done in Secret," to find out what Jesus' addition to the Lords' Prayer was.

Interested in more faith-related blogs? Then you're looking for Faith Food. At Faith Food, you'll find links to all our faith-related blogs and a short description of each.

Search This Blog

Wolfe Stew

Mark 15 | The Wolfe Notes