In Psalms 22, we see God’s prophecy in advance about the cross, what Christ would endure, and the great victory it would produce to bless us all. In it we find a God Whom we can trust more than however much we thought we could.

Our study through the gospel of Mark continues with chapter 15, verses 21-39, which tells us of the crucifixion of Christ, and what He suffered at the hands of man and under the wrath of God in our place. We see how Christ and Him crucified is the message we preach, because it shows Him to be the Son of God and the perfect Savior.

In Mark 15, we look at Jesus’ trial before Pilate, His replacement of Barabbas in condemnation, and the scorn and mocking the world gave Christ for being King of the Jews. What our Maker endured for our undeserved salvation is an infinitely deep well for reflection and meditation, making this passage a good one for today, even though you’ve read it many times before.

Judges 16 – The final chapter of Samson’s life on earth becomes a cautionary tale, highlighting the faithfulness and mercy of God, while showing us some pitfalls to avoid if we don’t want to destroy so much of our lives and testimonies.

In Judges 15, the story of Samson continues, and he experiences personal disappointment, followed by harsh war, in a way that pictures God’s plan of when Christ would later come and save a people who weren’t looking for the salvation they so desperately needed. In Samson we also learn an important lesson about being a humble servant when God uses us for His purposes.

Judges 14, the continuing story of Samson and his bittersweet meeting of his wife, and the problems his chosen one brings him, with God’s hand on everything to provoke the enemies of God with whom His people had become too comfortable.

We return to our study of the book of Judges with chapter 13, part one of the tragic and triumphant story of Samson, looking at the special circumstances and promises of his birth, as God’s intervention was great. Samson has much to teach men of this generation through both his amazing victories and his colossal failures.

At the end of Mark 14, the priests–whose plan to condemn Jesus on false accusations of various sins has failed–switch tactics to accuse Him of the truth instead. Then, when He confesses to being both Messiah and Divine, they condemn Him, mock Him, and beat Him, before taking Him to the rulers of this world, where they will present Him not as the Savior and King the Jews were supposed to give to the world, but as one worthy of death. He had silently taken our sins upon Himself, and would now die for them. In the courtyard in the background, one of His own is cowering in fear and denying Him repeatedly. Christ would face Pilate for sentencing alone, despised, rejected. I hope this sermon video will be a blessing to you.