For the next two weeks, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, we will be in the final two chapters in Mark, delving into the very heart of our Christian faith.

This week we’ll look at the meaning of the cross. On Easter we’ll look at the meaning of the resurrection.

As you read and pray over Mark 15:1-39, consider the following:

• How do you see prophecy, particularly Isaiah 53, coming to fruition?
• How do you see the concept of substitution in the story of Barabbas?
• What is the significance of darkness in this text?
• What does the torn curtain tell us?
• Look at the centurion’s declaration of Jesus as the Son of God in verse 39. How does that fulfill one of Mark’s primary themes?

We’ll talk about these things and more on Sunday, as we talk about “The Meaning of the Cross.”

And thank you for praying for me as I preached last Sunday at Temple Baptist Church in Newport News. This was a church I pastored from 1995-2000, and I was honored to be invited to preach for their 75th Anniversary as a church. It was a blessing to see old friends, and a blessing for them to see our family. Caleb and Courtney were born during our time there, but were very small when we left. So it was wonderful for them to see Caleb, Courtney, and Cassidy. One of the best things was to see people who came to know Christ during those years, who are still walking with the Lord.

I am so thankful for Lindsay stepping in and finishing chapter 14 so well. Be prayed up for Palm Sunday. See you then.

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations,

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.