Welcome to our new project, the Daily Bible Devotional. The goal is to help you understand and apply

scripture as you go through a New Testament Bible read five days a week, Monday through Friday,

as we move from Matthew straight through to Revelation. In under four minutes each morning, we will recap the chapter,

make some application, present thought questions for the day, and offer a prayer together.

I'm excited about exploring God's word with you, so let's get started.

Good morning and welcome to our study of Mark 15, which records the death of our Savior.

Mark's record of Christ's crucifixion focuses heavily on the people around him.

The Jewish leaders seek to kill him.

Pilate gives in to them, but he is confused about the Christ.

Barabbas, an actual murderer, is released instead of Jesus.

Soldiers scourge the Messiah, beat him, mock him, and crucify him.

Jewish onlookers relentlessly attack him.

The two criminals hurl abuse at him.

But at his death, the focus shifts to people of faith.

The centurion says, truly this man was the son of God. Women of faith stay close to the body of

Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea requests the body and gives him a proper burial. This sets a contrast

between the sinful work of man in Christ's death and the hope and faith that would grow from his

sacrifice.

Here's what that might mean for you and me.

The sinful work of man is on full display during Jesus' trial and crucifixion.

People get so sure of what they believe, and they let envy and pride lead them to the most heinous behavior.

We must learn from their failures.

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