COMMENTARY ON MARK


LESSON NUMBER 169

 

 

Mark 15:39 “And when the centurion, which stood over against Him, saw that He so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. 40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; 41 (Who also, when He was in Galilee, followed Him, and ministered unto Him;) and many other women which came up with Him unto Jerusalem.”

(Mark 15:39-41; Matt 27:51b-56; Luke 23:47-49; John 19:31-37)

 

SOME EVENTS FOLLOWING JESUS’ DEATH

 

 

INTRODUCTION

               There are a number of people that come to light when Jesus died. In addition to Malchus, Pilate, Pilate’s wife, and Herod , there were the soldier’s who cast lots for Jesus’ vesture, the two thieves, Barabbas, the centurion who observed “Truly this man as the Son of God,” Joseph of Arimathaea, Salome, and Mary the mother of James the less, who was the wife of Cleophas (John 19:25). The death of Jesus affected heaven, earth, and even the powers of darkness, with Satan destroyed in that death, and principalities and powers plundered. Sin was taken away, reconciliation was effected, and peace was made. Confirming the power of the Savor’s death, some of the saints who had passed away were even raised from the dead. However, none of these things were apparent to those who were standing by on earth at that time. It was evident to some that something of great significance had happened, but the nature and extent of it was not yet known. The events and activities that attended the death of Christ are provided in order to confirm that His was a very real death, being so in the eyes of everyone who observed it. There was absolutely no question at that time about Jesus really dying. However, now that Jesus has risen from the dead, there is no longer a veil of darkness covering His death, nor can there be any question about the fact of its occurrence. No person will be convinced of the benefits proceeding from the death of Christ if they are not persuaded that it did, in fact, take place. Therefore, around the world, wherever the Gospel has been believed, the impact of that death is being chronicled in doctrine, while that doctrine is adorned by consistently holy lives.

 

A PERCEPTIVE WITNESS FROM A CENTURION

               Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against Him, saw that He so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.”

 

               THE EARTH DID QUAKE. Matthew records that simultaneous with the veil being torn in two from the top, “the earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Matt 27:51). Other versions read, “the earth shook; and the rocks split.”NASB The impact of Christ’s sacrificial death were felt in heaven, in earth, and in the region of darkness. In heaven, “heavenly things” were cleansed by the sacrifice of Christ (Heb 9:23). When His spirit left His body, and at the same time the Temple veil was “rent in twain,” a “new and living way” to heaven was opened and would be “consecrated” for travel when He returned there (Heb 10:20). In the region of darkness the devil was “destroyed” (Heb 2:14), and “principalities and powers” were “spoiled” (Col 2:15). In the natural order “the earth did quake,” reeling too and fro as it would once again at the end of time (Isa 24:20). This time, the earth did not pass away, but would be upheld until Jesus came back from the dead to assume the reins of the Kingdom. The One who died had created the world (Col 1:13-16). It is also “by Him” that “all things consist,” or “hold together” NIV Here we are given a very small glimpse of what would happen if Jesus was not maintaining the worlds that He created. The universe does not continue according to the laws of nature, for it cannot sustain itself. Therefore, when God forsook the Son, the earth shook in that brief “moment” when the Son was forsaken (Isa 54:7).

 

               The text also says that the “rocks rent” – like the Temple veil. What man had made was torn in two, and what God had made – the rocks – also were split. Many historians, both ancient and contemporary say that the “fissure at Golgotha” is still visible. McCLINTOK STRONGS’ ENCY

 

               THE GRAVES WERE OPENED. Only Matthew records this singular event. Other versions read “the tombs were opened” – that is, graves that were hewn out of a rock – like the one in which Jesus’ body was buried (Matt 27:60). By “opened,” the text means they were split open by Divine power, confirming that the Lord has power over the grave. This was but a small prelude to the last day in which “the earth shall cast out the dead” (Isa 26:19), and “the grave” will have no victory (1 Cor 15:55).

 

               MANY BODIES OF THE SAINTS AROSE. We do not know the number of bodies that rose from the dead, but it is said to have been “many” – a word that means “a multitude, numerous, abundant.” THAYER Unlike the general resurrection, only the bodies of “saints” were resurrected. We have no idea who they were, or what happened to them after Jesus returned to heaven. The record is given to us to confirm “the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” (Rom 11:33). In the record, however, we do have the attestation that in Christ’s death the power of the grave was broken.

 

               There is a technical point here. These saints did not come out of their graves until Jesus rose from the dead, in order that He might be “the first fruits of them that slept” (1 Cor 15:50). Matthew records that they “came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many" (Matt 27:53). This suggests that they were known to the people – and yet it is vague enough that we cannot be sure.

 

               THE CENTURION SAW. Mark says that the centurion was standing “over against” Jesus, or “opposite Him.” NKJV Several things are said of this centurion by the Gospel writers. (1) He was standing opposite Christ, or “right in front of Him.” NASB. (2) He “saw that He so cried out,” or “saw that He cried out like this.” NKJV (3) He saw that “He gave up the ghost,” or “saw how He died.” NIV (4) Matthew says that he, “and they that were with him” were “watching Jesus.” (5) He also “saw the earthquake.” (6) Additionally, he saw “those things that were done,” or “the things that had happened.” NKJV (7) Together with those who were with him, the centurion “feared greatly.” (Matt 27:54). Those seven observations confirm that this man was alert to what was happening, being attentive. He will do what every person who is attentive to Christ will do. He will declare something that confirms the uniqueness of Jesus.

 

               THIS MAN WAS THE SON OF GOD. Mark records that the centurion said, Truly this man was the Son of God!” Matthew says the same thing (Matt 27:54). Luke reports that “when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47). It was obvious to this centurion that Jesus was not a malefactor, or criminal, as the case against Him had stated. He doubtless concluded that Jesus was the Son of God because He had referred to God as “Father” two times: once at the beginning (Lk 23:34), and once at the end (Lk 23:46). That was enough evidence to bring the centurion to this conclusion. He was certain about this, preceding his observation with “Truly,” or “Surely,” NIV or “Certainly.” LUKE

 

               What must be said of those who still do not see this, even after the Gospel has declared, clarified, and has expounded this very fact – the foundation on which the church is built. At some point, this fact must be perceived with the heart and confessed with the mouth.

 

THE WOMEN WHO WATCHED, FOLLOWED and MINISTERED

                40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; 41 (Who also, when He was in Galilee, followed Him, and ministered unto Him;) and many other women which came up with Him unto Jerusalem.”

 

               Prior to mentioning these women Luke records that “all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned,” or “went away” NIV after “coming together for this spectacle” NASB (Luke 23:48). The mentioning of the women and those who were with them are contrasted with the ones who came, saw, and left as though nothing of significance had taken place on Golgotha, the place of the skull.

 

               THERE WERE ALSO WOMEN. Here is a holy cluster of women that are separated from those who were at the foot of the cross. Matthew says “there were many women beholding from afar off” (Matt 27:55). Luke includes “all His acquaintance,” or “all those who knew Him,” NIV in the number (Luke 23:49). It appears that Mary Magdalene and perhaps the other Mary had gone away from the cross when Jesus was addressing His mother and John. Prior to that, they were said to be standing “by the cross” (John 19:25). But now, they are “looking on from afar off,” or “watching from a distance.” NIV Perhaps they sensed the privacy of the moment, and withdrew to a more distant location while Jesus addressed His mother and John. For whatever reason, they are now beholding the events from a distance.

 

               Mary Magdalene. “Magdalene” was not this woman’s name, but indicated the city from which she came – Magdala, which was on the sea of Galilee. She is distinguished from the other Marys in this way. In the Gospels this Mary is mentioned twelve times. Luke 8:2 tells us that “seven demons” had been cast out of her. John 19:25 affirms that earlier she was standing “by the cross.” Mark 15:47 says that she, together with Mary the mother of Joses, saw where the body of Jesus was placed. Matthew and Mark tell us that she came with some other women to the tomb of Jesus, to anoint His body (Matt 28:1; Mk 16:1). John tells us she was the first to come to the tomb where Jesus had been placed. Finding it empty, she ran and told Peter and John that the body had been stolen (John 20:1-2). Mark 16:9 reveals that she was the first person to whom the risen Christ appeared. Luke 24:10 states that she was among the women who reported to the apostles that angels told them Jesus had risen from the dead. John 20:18 reports that after she had personally seen Jesus, she “came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord.”

 

               Mary the mother of James. Mark refers to this Mary as “the mother of James the less and of Joses.” Matthew calls her “the mother of James and Joses” (Matt 27:56). Some think that this was Jesus’ mother, for among the four sons she had through Joseph, two had these names (Matt 13:55). However, this cannot be true, for His mother was at the foot of the cross. “James the less” is the other apostle named “James,” and was the son of Alphaeus (Matt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:15; Acts 1:13). So far as privilege was concerned, he came behind the other James, and was therefore referred to as “the less.”

 

               Salome. Mark refers to this woman as “Salome.” Matthew calls her “the mother of Zebedee’s children,” who were James and John (Matt 27:56). She also was one of the women who brought “sweet spices” to anoint the body of Jesus, not knowing that He was risen from the dead (Mk 16:1). During the ministry of Jesus, she also requested that her sons, James and John, be given the privilege of sitting at the His right and left hands (Matt 20:20).

 

               THEY HAD FOLLOWED HIM. These women are said have “followed” Jesus when He was in Galilee, where the bulk of His ministry was accomplished. Luke says they “followed Him from Galilee” – that is, they were from that region, and had availed themselves of the Lord’s presence and ministry (Lk 23:49). He also identifies some other women in that number, saying that they accompanied Jesus when “the twelve were with Him.” He adds Johanna and Susanna to the number. The zeal of these holy women is certainly worthy of note, as well as the fact that they followed Jesus early in His ministry.

 

               THEY HAD MINISTERED TO HIM. These woman had “ministered” to Jesus as He traveled throughout Galilee. Luke provides an extensive comment about this. “He went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with Him, and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance,” “contributing to their support out of their private means” NASB (Luke 8:1-3). This must have required most, if not all, of their time. At least one of them was married, and all of them ministered to Jesus. I do not doubt they would be criticized today in much the same manner as Martha criticized Mary (Lk 10:41-42). During the time of our text, how their hopes must have been dashed to the ground! Yet, in just three days, the King Himself will comfort them.

 

THE WITNESS OF JOHN

                John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken. 37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

 

               Being a personal witness, as well as being inspired, John provides some details of Christ’s death that are not mentioned in the synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He also reveals the fulfillment of two prophecies that were at a very detailed level.

 

               TAKE THE BODIES OFF THE CROSS. The Jews, though they thought nothing of consigning Jesus to death, were very interested in keeping the letter of the Law. The Law had said of those who were hanged on a tree, “His body shall not remain all night upon the tree” (Deut 21:22-23). They particularly did not want any of the bodies – the thieves included – to remain “upon the cross.” This was the Sabbath following the Passover, and was a “high day,” or “special Sabbath.” NIV Therefor, with a total lack of concern concerning the ones who were crucified, chiefly Jesus Christ, they “besought,” or “asked Pilate that their legs might be broken.” NKJV This would cause the weight of the body to fall, thus inducing suffocation and a more rapid death.

 

               The soldiers commenced to carry out the sentence, first breaking the legs of the thieves who were not yet dead. However, when they came to Jesus they “saw He was dead already,” and did not break his legs. It was most unusual that Jesus had died, even though He had endured so much. Later, when Joseph of Arimathaea requested the body of Jesus, Pilate could not believe He was already dead. He even called the centurion and “asked him if He had been dead for some time” NKJV (Mk 15:44). Death by crucifixion was not intended to be a rapid death, for it was not only a means of execution, but of putting fear into the people, should they be inclined to criminal activities. Jesus, however, did not die as others. He yielded up His life, laying it down by Himself, and dismissing His spirit when the work He had been given to do was completed.

 

               John is quick to tell us that not breaking the legs of Jesus fulfilled the Scripture. This speaks of several texts. First, on the night of the first Passover, while Israel was still in Egypt, no bone of the Passover lamb was to be broken: “neither shall ye break a bone thereof” (Ex 12:46). Second, during the Passovers after that deliverance, Israel was charged to not “break any bone of it” (Num 9:12). Third, the Psalmist said of the Messiah that God kept His bones safe: “He keepeth all His bones: not one of them is broken”(Psa 34:20). This is why the soldiers made a point of seeing whether Jesus was alive or not. This does not seem to me to be an ordinary way of going about that grisly business. Indeed, they took note of Jesus because God was protecting Him, seeing to it that no bone was broken, attesting that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah.

 

               THEY PIERCED HIS SIDE. Even Though Jesus was obviously dead, one of the soldiers, in what appeared to be a random act, “with a spear pierced His side.” It is written that “immediately blood and water came out.” Anatomists and physicians tell us that the outpouring of blood and water indicated that Jesus died of a ruptured heart, which resulted in the blood being separated into a clot, and isolated from the watery substance that surrounds the heart. However, this is not how Jesus died, for He dismissed His spirit, laying down His life. Death did not overtake Jesus, which would be the case if His heart ruptured. If there was any malfunctioning of His heart, it could only be because He was already dead. It could not possibly have led to His death. That would impinge upon what Jesus had said of His own death. It would also have ascribed to nature what Scripture assigns to Deity.

 

               It rather appears to me that this this incident confirmed that not only did Jesus really die, it was a real Man who died. Later, Gnosticism would refer to Jesus as an apparition, phantom, or figment of the imagination. Even today, Christian Science sees it this way, denying that there was true Substance in the Person of Christ and His blood.

 

               This event, which also seemed to be nothing more than an irregular act, also fulfilled a Scripture: “And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced(John 19:37). The Psalmist also spoke of Jesus’ hands and feet being “pierced” (Psa 22:16). However, the specific text to which this verse refers is Zechariah 12:10: “ . . . and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him (Zech 12:10). This text is also referred to in Revelation 1:7, which speaks of Christ’s second coming. In our text, the “piercing” is the particular fulfillment. The looking upon Him is yet to take place. Behold the marvelous particulars!