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Sabbath Afternoon - September 14, 2024
Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 15:1-47; Luke 13:1; Psalms 22:18; John 20:24-29; John 1:1-3; Daniel 9:24-27.
Thought for Meditation:
To Jesus in His agony on the cross there came one gleam of comfort. It was the prayer of the penitent thief. Both the men who were crucified with Jesus had at first railed upon Him; and one under his suffering only became more desperate and defiant. But not so with his companion. This man was not a hardened criminal; he had been led astray by evil associations, but he was less guilty than many of those who stood beside the cross reviling the Saviour. He had seen and heard Jesus, and had been convicted by His teaching, but he had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers. Seeking to stifle conviction, he had plunged deeper and deeper into sin, until he was arrested, tried as a criminal, and condemned to die on the cross. . . . Among the passers-by he hears many defending Jesus. He hears them repeat His words, and tell of His works. The conviction comes back to him that this is the Christ. Turning to his fellow criminal he says, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” The dying thieves have no longer anything to fear from man. But upon one of them presses the conviction that there is a God to fear, a future to cause him to tremble. And now, all sin-polluted as it is, his life history is about to close. “And we indeed justly,” he moans; “for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss.” {CSA 38.4} A Call to Stand Apart, 2002
Memory Text:
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is translated, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ ” (Mark 15:34).
This week's SS Lesson will examine the events during the crucifixion and its significant eschatological truth.
Study Outline:
Sunday - September 15, 2024
Pilate Declares Jesus "King of the Jews"
Mark 15:1-15; Luke 13:1; John 18:33-38.
Monday - September 16, 2024
The Soldiers Prostrate Themselves Before the King of the Jews - Hail, King of the Jews
Tuesday - September 17, 2024
The Crowd Calls Jesus, the King of Israel - The Crucifixion
Mark 15:21-38; Psalms 22:18; John 20:24-29; John 1:1-3.
Wednesday - September 18, 2024
The Centurion Declares Jesus "Son of God" - Forsaken by God
Mark 15:33-41, 24, 29; 1:1-45 ; Psalms 22:1; Daniel 9:24-27,
Thursday - September 19, 2024
Joseph of Arimathea asks for the Body of Jesus - Laid to Rest
Friday - September 20, 2024
Insights and Further Study
From the Pen of Inspiration
Points to Ponder Upon
Sunday - September 15, 2024
Pilate Declares Jesus "King of the Jews"
Mark 15:1-15; Luke 13:1; John 18:33-38.
“Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate?” (Mark 15:9)
Read: John 19:13-30 - A Cruel Crucifixion Recorded
The news of His condemnation had spread throughout Jerusalem, and people of all classes and all ranks flocked toward the place of crucifixion. . . . {CSA 36.1}
As Jesus passed the gate of Pilate’s court, the cross which had been prepared for Barabbas was laid upon His bruised and bleeding shoulders. . . . The Saviour’s burden was too heavy for Him in His weak and suffering condition. Since the Passover supper with His disciples, He had taken neither food nor drink. He had agonized in the garden of Gethsemane in conflict with satanic agencies. He had endured the anguish of the betrayal, and had seen His disciples forsake Him and flee. He had been taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas, and then to Pilate. From Pilate He had been sent to Herod, then sent again to Pilate. From insult to renewed insult, from mockery to mockery, twice tortured by the scourge,—all that night there had been scene after scene of a character to try the soul of man to the uttermost. . . . But when after the second scourging the cross was laid upon Him, human nature could bear no more. He fell fainting beneath the burden. {CSA 36.2} A Call to Stand Apart, 2002
A Written Inscription - This is Jesus, the King of the Jews
As soon as Jesus was nailed to the cross, it was lifted by strong men, and with great violence thrust into the place prepared for it. This caused the most intense agony to the Son of God. Pilate then wrote an inscription in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, and placed it upon the cross, above the head of Jesus. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews." This inscription irritated the Jews. In Pilate's court they had cried, "Crucify Him." "We have no king but Caesar." John 19:15. They had declared that whoever should acknowledge any other king was a traitor. Pilate wrote out the sentiment they had expressed. No offense was mentioned, except that Jesus was the King of the Jews. The inscription was a virtual acknowledgment of the allegiance of the Jews to the Roman power. It declared that whoever might claim to be the King of Israel would be judged by them worthy of death. The priests had overreached themselves. When they were plotting the death of Christ, Caiaphas had declared it expedient that one man should die to save the nation. Now their hypocrisy was revealed. In order to destroy Christ, they had been ready to sacrifice even their national existence. {DA 745.2} The Desire of Ages, 1898
The Story of Man's Wonderful Redemption - Purchased by His Blood
Jesus will present His hands with the marks of His crucifixion. The marks of this cruelty He will ever bear. Every print of the nails will tell the story of man's wonderful redemption and the dear price by which it was purchased. The very men who thrust the spear into the side of the Lord of life will behold the print of the spear and will lament with deep anguish the part which they acted in marring His body. {EW 179.2}
His murderers were greatly annoyed by the superscription, "The King of the Jews," placed upon the cross above His head. But then they will be obliged to see Him in all His glory and kingly power. They will behold on His vesture and on His thigh, written in living characters, "King of kings, and Lord of lords." They cried to Him mockingly, as He hung upon the cross, "Let Christ, the King of Israel, descend from the cross, that we may see and believe." They will behold Him then with kingly power and authority. They will demand no evidence of His being King of Israel; but overwhelmed with a sense of His majesty and exceeding glory, they will be compelled to acknowledge, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." {EW 179.3} Early Writings, 1882
Consider the Following
Pontius Pilate was the Roman official who had to authorize the death of Jesus. Everyone knew of his cruelty and unscrupulousness (Luke 13:1). However, he publicly acknowledged: “I find no crime in
him” (Jn. 18:38). The Sanhedrin's plan seemed doomed to failure.
They had found Jesus guilty of blasphemy for declaring himself the Messiah (Mark 14:61-64). Since the Messiah was destined to be the King of Israel, that was the accusation they presented before Pilate.
Jesus neither denied nor accepted the accusation, but he made it clear to Pilate that he did not aspire to rule an earthly kingdom (Mark 15:2; John 18:33-37).
❖ Pilate used this accusation to mock the Jewish leaders: “Do you want me to kill your king?” However, he capitulated before them by punishing Jesus and freeing a real evildoer (Mark 15:8-15).
Monday - September 16, 2024
The Soldiers Prostrate Themselves Before the King of the Jews - Hail, King of the Jews
“They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!!” (Mark 15:17-18)
Once Crowned with Thorns, Soon He will be Crowned with a Diadem of Glory
On the Saviour's coronation day he will not acknowledge as his any who bear spot or wrinkle. But to his faithful ones he will give crowns of immortal glory. Those who would not that he should reign over them will see him surrounded by the army of the redeemed, each bearing the sign, The Lord Our Righteousness. They will see the head once crowned with thorns crowned with a diadem of glory. {RH, May 5, 1903 par. 12} The Review and herald
Mocked and Derided as a False King
Jesus was the truth, yet he was scorned as a deceiver. He was hunted from place to place as a malefactor. His own nation took the most active part in throwing contempt upon him. His friends, and even his own brethren, denied and forsook him. Every cruelty that an apostate angel could instigate was set in operation. He was buffeted with temptations, lacerated with stripes, crowned with thorns, mocked and derided as a false king, and at last crucified on the cross. {ST, December 4, 1893 par. 4} The Signs of the Times
Not to Wear the Crown of Thorns but a Divine Conqueror
Now this Saviour is our intercessor, making an atonement for us before the Father. . . And that precious Saviour is coming again. . . . When He cometh the second time, it is not to wear the crown of thorns, it is not to have that old purple robe placed upon His divine form. The voices will not be raised, Crucify Him, Crucify Him, but there is a shout from the angelic host and from those who are waiting to receive Him, Worthy, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. A divine Conqueror, in the place of the crown of thorns He will wear a crown of glory; in the place of that old kingly robe that they put upon Him in mockery, He will wear a robe whiter than the whitest white. And those hands that were bruised with the cruel nails will shine like gold. . . . {CTr 288.4}
The righteous dead come forth from their graves, and they that are alive and remain are caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall they ever be with the Lord. And they will listen to the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, . . . “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Manuscript 11, 1886. {CTr 288.5} Christ Triumphant, 1999
Consider the Following
Before being crucified, the prisoners were stripped naked and subjected to a cruel flogging. The soldier beat until he was tired.
Knowing the accusation against Jesus, the soldiers decided to carry out a parody to ridicule him. They placed a “crown” on him, put a “royal mantle” on him, gave him a “scepter,” sat him on a “throne,” and made “obeisances” to him as if he were Caesar (Mark 15:17-19). ; Mt. 27:28-29).
For them it was a game. A cruel game. Although they could not see a king in Jesus, some ended up recognizing him as the Son of God. Without knowing it, they were paying tribute to their true King.
Tuesday - September 17, 2024
The Crowd Calls Jesus, the King of Israel - The Crucifixion
Mark 15:21-38; Psalms 22:18; John 20:24-29; John 1:1-3.
“Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” (Mark 15:32a)
The Redemption Price of a Lost World Paid on the Cross
I need not present the self-denial, the self-sacrifice, the humiliation, and crucifixion of the Son of God, which was the redemption price of a lost world. This we need to contemplate that we may better estimate the value of the human soul. As we view the agonies which Christ endured as the price of redemption, we will consider every soul of value. The love of Jesus for souls cannot be measured. Christ died to save not only the few who accept Him; no, He came to our world to save every son and daughter of Adam. He came not to seek and save those who were faultless and lovely, but He came to seek and to save them that are lost. "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." He is the true Shepherd, ever ready to leave the flock which is in the fold and to go into the wilderness to seek for the lost sheep. {19MR 330.1} Manuscript Releases, 1990
The Only Hope had been Lifted Up as a King of Grace
I saw that the angels of God were commissioned to have a special care, and guard the sacred, important truths which were to serve as an anchor to hold the disciples of Christ through every generation. {1SG 86.1}
The Holy Spirit especially rested upon the apostles, who were witnesses of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension--important truths which were to be the hope of Israel. All were to look to the Saviour of the world as their only hope, and walk in the way Jesus opened by the sacrifice of his own life, and keep God's law and live. I saw the wisdom and goodness of Jesus in giving power to the disciples to carry on the same work which caused the Jews to hate and slay him. They had power given them over the works of Satan. They wrought signs and wonders through the name of Jesus, who was despised, and by wicked hands slain. A halo of light and glory clustered about the time of Jesus' death and resurrection, immortalizing the sacred facts that he was the Saviour of the world. {1SG 86.2} Spiritual Gifts, Volume one, 1858
At the Crucifixion, the Earthly Sanctuary was Forever Finished
At the crucifixion, as Jesus died on Calvary, he cried, It is finished, and the vail of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom. This was to show that the services of the earthly Sanctuary were forever finished, and that God would no more meet with them in their earthly temple, to accept their sacrifices. The blood of Jesus was then shed, which was to be ministered by himself in the heavenly Sanctuary. As the priests in the earthly Sanctuary entered the Most Holy once a year to cleanse the Sanctuary, Jesus entered the Most Holy of the heavenly, at the end of the 2300 days of Dan, viii, in 1844, to make a final atonement for all who could be benefited by his mediation, and to cleanse the Sanctuary. {1SG 161.1} Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1, 1858
Consider the Following
❖ Exhausted by fasting and scourging, Jesus was unable to carry his own cross. A compassionate foreigner was forced to carry it in his place (Mark 15:21).
❖ Like a lamb being led to the slaughterhouse, Jesus, without any complaint, allowed himself to be led to Calvary; they would undress him; they placed him on the cross; They will nail their hands and feet; and they would lift him up high.
❖ As an act of mercy, a soldier offered him a drug to cloud his mind. But Jesus rejected this gesture. He would not let anything prevent him from consciously and voluntarily surrendering to the redemptive act (Mark 15:23).
❖ Once again, he was the victim of ridicule. Like the soldiers, the Jews ironically recognized Jesus as the Messiah. They accepted that He was able to save (Mark 15:31), and seemed willing to believe in Him if He saved Himself (Mark 15:32).
❖ But, if Jesus was saved, both they and we would be condemned (Mark 15:30).
For more information, please see the previous SSLesson.
Wednesday - September 18, 2024
The Centurion Declares Jesus "Son of God" - Forsaken by God
Mark 15:33-41, 24, 29; 1:1-45 ; Psalms 22:1; Daniel 9:24-27,
“And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39)
Christ, the Son of the Living God
But not all of those who had heard and believed in Christ were to turn away from him. To his disciples Jesus said, "Will ye also go away?" Simon Peter answered: "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon; for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve." {ST, July 15, 1897 par. 9}
The desire of the disciples was to be with Christ. "To whom," said they, "shall we go?" Shall we go back to seek counsel of the formalist? We can not understand why so many go away. The thought arose in their minds that Christ had made a mistake in speaking words that would offend. These disaffected disciples, they thought, might have been held if Christ had not spoken so decidedly in regard to partaking of his flesh and blood. "But," said they, "shall we leave the great Teacher? The scribes and Pharisees have dealt most unfairly with Christ. Shall we teach the tradition of the elders? Shall we take sides with them in lifeless formalism, in teaching for doctrine the commandments of men?" {ST, July 15, 1897 par. 10} The Signs of the Times
Jesus, the Son of God, Rejected, and Crucified - the Spotless Lamb of God
The world was stirred by the enmity of Satan, and when asked to choose between the Son of God and the criminal Barabbas, they chose a robber rather than Jesus. The ignorant multitudes were led, by the deceptive reasonings of those in high position, to reject the Son of God, and choose a robber and murderer in His stead. Let us all remember that we are still in a world where Jesus, the Son of God, was rejected and crucified, where the guilt of despising Christ and preferring a robber rather than the spotless Lamb of God still rests. Unless we individually repent toward God because of transgression of His law, and exercise faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, whom the world has rejected, we shall lie under the full condemnation that the action of choosing Barabbas instead of Christ merited. The whole world stands charged today with the deliberate rejection and murder of the Son of God. The word bears record that Jews and Gentiles, kings, governors, ministers, priests, and people--all classes and sects who reveal the same spirit of envy, hatred, prejudice, and unbelief manifested by those who put to death the Son of God--would act the same part, were the opportunity granted, as did the Jews and people of the time of Christ. They would be partakers of the same spirit that demanded the death of the Son of God. {TM 38.1} Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 1923
The Contrasting Attitude: Pharisees versus the Angels (the Commander of Heaven, the Son of the Highest)
What a contrast is the attitude of the Pharisees to that of the angels! The angels look upon Jesus as the Commander of heaven, the Son of the highest, and see him contending with the prince of darkness. The prize for which they are battling is the human soul, for which Christ has come to die, that he may redeem the lost. It is well to contemplate the divine condescension, the sacrifice, the self-denial, the humiliation, the resistance the Son of God must encounter in doing his work for fallen men. Well may we come forth from contemplation of his sufferings, exclaiming, Amazing condescension! Angels marvel as with intense interest they watch the Son of God descending step by step the path of humiliation. It is the mystery of godliness. It is the glory of God to conceal himself and his ways, not by keeping men in ignorance of heavenly light and knowledge, but by surpassing the uttermost capacity of men to know. Humanity can comprehend in part, but that is all that man can bear. The love of Christ passes knowledge. The mystery of redemption will continue to be the mystery, the unexhausted science and everlasting song of eternity. Well may humanity exclaim, Who can know God? We may, as did Elijah, wrap our mantles about us, and listen to hear the still, small voice of God. {ST, January 1, 1894 par. 7} The Signs of the Times
Consider the Following
❖ Jesus was crucified at 9 in the morning. Around 12 noon darkness came over the land. At 3 p.m., Jesus died. But, shortly before he died, Jesus cried out to his Father with the words of Psalm 22 (Mark 15:33-34).
❖ Few realized how Jesus fulfilled this messianic psalm to the letter. The majority decided to misinterpret his words, confusing the Aramaic “ Eloi ” with a call to Elijah (Mark 15:35).
Thursday - September 19, 2024
Joseph of Arimathea asks for the Body of Jesus - Laid to Rest
“Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body” (Mark 15:43)
A Mysterious Darkness Enshrouded the Earth - the Death of Jesus (no Ordinary man)
Joseph went boldly to Pilate, and begged from him the body of Jesus for burial. His prayer was speedily granted by Pilate, who firmly believed Jesus to have been innocent. Pilate now for the first time heard from Joseph that Jesus was really dead. The knowledge had been purposely kept from him, although various conflicting reports had reached his ears concerning the strange events attending the crucifixion. Now he learned that the Saviour died at the very moment when the mysterious darkness that enshrouded the earth had passed away. Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died so soon; for those who were crucified frequently lingered days upon the cross. The account which Pilate now received of the death of Jesus caused him more firmly to believe that he was no ordinary man. The Roman governor was strangely agitated, and regretted most keenly the part he had taken in the condemnation of the Saviour. {3SP 173.3} The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume three, 1878
Set Up the Standard of Righteousness, Advance the Interest of His Kingdom
Our kingdom is not of this world. We are waiting for our Lord from heaven to come to earth to put down all authority and power, and set up His everlasting kingdom. Earthly powers are shaken. We need not, and cannot, expect union among the nations of the earth. Our position in the image of Nebuchadnezzar is represented by the toes, in a divided state, and of a crumbling material, that will not hold together. Prophecy shows us that the great day of God is right upon us. It hasteth greatly. {1T 360.3} Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, 1855- 1868
The ever-increasing opportunities for usefulness, the providential openings for the Word of God to be presented, demand our offerings of time and intellect and money, gifts large and small, as God has prospered us, to make a way for the truth in the dark places of the earth, to set up the standard of righteousness, and to advance the interests of the kingdom of Christ. The heavenly angels are waiting to unite with the human agent, that many souls may hear and be impressed by the Holy Spirit, and be converted. {YRP 176.3} Ye Shall Receive Power, 1995
Human Arms Encircles the Race while His Divine Arms Grasps the Throne of the Almighty
Now we find that the battlements can be reached, that God is above the ladder and is waiting with arms outstretched to help every soul who will come into the everlasting kingdom of our God. Praise His holy name! Ye inhabitants of the earth, praise Him! And why? Because through Jesus Christ—whose long human arm encircles the race while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Almighty—the gulf is bridged with His own body; and this atom of a world, which was separated from the continent of heaven by sin and became an island, is again reinstated because Christ bridged the gulf—Christ has bridged it! {CTr 86.5}
Here is a soul in danger; well, God stands ready to help that soul. All the heavenly angels will be sent to assist that soul.—Manuscript 5, 1891. {CTr 86.6} Christ Triumphant, 1999
Consider the Following
❖ The evangelists make it clear that Jesus really died on the cross. It wasn't a faint or a catalepsy. The Romans knew how to differentiate a crucified person who was apparently dead from one who was really dead (Mark 15:44-45). As if that were not enough, the Jews themselves incited a soldier to pierce their heart with a spear (Jn. 19:33-34).
❖ After death, a rich, influential man and respected member of the Sanhedrin appears on the scene: Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:43). He did for Jesus what his disciples were incapable of doing: he asked
Pilate for the body; bought a new shroud; and offered his own tomb to house the body of Jesus (Mark 15:46).
❖ Several women (Matthew and Mark only mention two) were eyewitnesses to the burial (Mark 15:46-47; Luke 23:55). They would also be the first witnesses of his resurrection (Mark 16:1-2)
Friday - September 20, 2024
Insights and Further Study
Waiting to be Gathered In - Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. Galatians 5:1. {LHU 308.1}
The Lord has His representatives in all the churches. These persons have not had the special testing truths for these last days presented to them under circumstances that brought conviction to heart and mind; therefore they have not, by rejecting light, severed their connection with God. Many there are who have faithfully walked in the light that has shone upon their pathway. They hunger to know more of the ways and works of God. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the very verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in. As the lessons of Christ, the truths of the Bible in their simplicity, are placed before these souls, they recognize the light and rejoice in it. Their perplexities vanish before the light of truth as dew before the morning sun. Their conceptions of Bible truth are expanded, and the revelation of God in Christ comes to them, showing them the depth, breadth, and height of divine, spiritual mystery that they did not before discern, that cannot be explained, but only exemplified in Christlike character. {LHU 308.3} Lift Him Up, 1988
From the Pen of Inspiration
«As man's substitute and surety, the iniquity of men was laid upon Christ; He was counted a transgressor that He might redeem them from the curse of the law. The guilt of every descendant of Adam of every age was pressing upon His heart; and the wrath of God and the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with consternation. The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. Every pang endured by the Son of God upon the cross, the blood drops that flowed from His head, His hands and feet, the convulsions of agony which racked His frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father's face from Him, speak to man, saying, It is for love of thee that the Son of God consents to have these heinous crimes laid upon Him; for thee He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise and immortal life." EGW (The Story of Redemption, pg. 226)
Points to Ponder Upon
How can we stand amidst the crowd with pressure and threat of death?
Why did the soldiers do such cruel crucifixion on an innocent one?
What's the significance of a cruel act on the cross of Calvary?
In what way could our lives be an offering to Christ as a response to what he did for us?
What eschatological event that John and Mark have in common? Look at the Wednesday's lesson! (Baptism and the Cross)
What's the role of Joseph of Arimathea in the scene of Christ's crucifixion?
Based on the statement above, {LHU 308.3}, How is it possible, that those who believe become the representatives which will reflect Christ's character?
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