Last scenes at Calvary

Behold my Servant #83: Last scenes at the cross                Mark 15:39-47

The Saviour is now dead. His great cry of It is finished brought the period of darkness to an end and His work of procuring redemption for His people is done. Before the curtain falls on the scene at Calvary and the events of the day, the Spirit of God turns the spotlight of Scripture upon several individuals involved in the events surrounding His death.

I  THE CONVERSION OF THE CENTURION.

It is a truly remarkable work of grace to see this man converted. He is among the first-fruits of His prayer of Luke 23:34.

1. The evidence of his conversion, v39. A number of things are seen here to be evidence of the change of conversion. His thinking is seen to be different to the natural man. He speaks as a man changed by grace.
2. Recognition. He recognized the true character of Christ’s person. He saw Him to be both God and man. Cp Jn 8:24, 5:34 (17-18, 23). This was something he was convinced was true. This was the very thing matter that lay at the basis of Christ’s condemnation by the Jews. Cp 14:61-64. His certainly indicates that this a subject for discussion at the cross. Cp Matt 27:40, 43. He has now reached a conclusion. He believes what others have scorned and ridiculed.
3. Righteousness. He acknowledged the righteousness of Christ, Luke 23:47. Again he expresses conviction—certainly. He sees the fact that Christ was innocent and yet had died in triumph. This is an important aspect of the doctrine of His work of substitutionary atonement.
4. Worship. He is recorded as speaking words that glorified God, Luke 23:47. There is a fear and reverence of God that fills his heart as he considers Christ’s death. He saw the handiwork of God in these events.
5. He is prompted by a specific aspect of Christ’s work, v39. Two little details are given. He considered: (a) that He so cried out. The nature of His great cry of triumph and victory as He died stirred this man. This was not how other men died! Clearly there was a revelation in that cry of the Saviour having conquered death. (b) He gave up the ghost. The voluntary nature of Christ’s death is again in view. This was apparent to the onlooker. He died as He had taught, John 10:17-18.
6. The wonder of his conversion. That such a man should be converted at such a time is truly a wonder of grace. A heathen Roman, the man in charge of the squad that crucified the Saviour. What love the Saviour has for sinners! What an encouragement to us it is to see that even such an unlikely candidate is saved by grace.

II  THE SYMPATHY AND SUPPORT OF FAITHFUL, GODLY WOMEN.

Cp v40-41, 47.

The spotlight turns to focus our attention upon an unlikely group watching these events. It is hard to imagine an environment more terrible for these women to be in. Their interest was not that of hard-hearted ghouls but the tender love and regard of devoted followers. They stand somewhat in the background—afar off… Coming as close as they could perhaps they looked on.

1. Names, v40. Three of this group are named. The Lord knows and records who was there and yet He leaves some unidentified to remind us that such devotion as this is not important to the world. The three named are: Mary Magdalene (16:9); Mary His own mother (Jn 19:26) here identified by her other children; Salome, the mother of James and John (Matt 27:56). There were many other women, v41.
2. The end of a course of faithful service, v41. Their presence at the cross was part of a long career of faithfully following the Saviour. Such a close and personal experience and understanding of the cross-work of Christ belongs to those who are devoted to His service and have spent time in that service.
3. They watched, v40, 47. This was all they could do and they did it. What it must have cost them emotionally and spiritually to remain there we cannot tell. Cp Luke 2:35. This was the only way for them to show loyalty to the Saviour they loved and served. They stood with Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

III   THE BOLDNESS OF A SECRET DISCIPLE.

Cp v42-47.

1. A disciple made bold. Cp John 19:38, Luke 23:50. It is clear that Joseph’s views of the kingdom were not shattered but enhanced by what was taking place at Golgotha. He too was impacted by the triumph of King Jesus on Calvary. Nicodemus too experiences the same impact, John 19:39-40. The faithfulness of Christ unto death stirred bold service. Cp Phil 1:12-14.
2. He went to Pilate, v43. He shows his love for the Saviour before the tribunal that had condemned Him! The highest authority in the land does not daunt him.
3. Tender love, v46-47. At great personal expense and sacrifice he ministered to the dead Saviour to bury Him. His motivation no doubt was the command of Deut 21:23. He had no doubt some understanding of the doctrine Paul draws from this passage, Gal 3:13. It is an understanding of what Christ has done for us that stirs us to work for Him. Cp 2Cor 5:14, 1Jn 4:19. He was burdened to prevent the curse of God coming on the land! A true concern for the spiritual welfare of others will motivate tender loyalty to Christ such as Joseph displayed.