In the Gospel of Mark, Mark is silent about the physical agony, torture and issues faced by Jesus on the Cross. The Romans intentionally crucified the worst criminals and political dissidents in the most highly trafficked areas of their cities, in a terrified manner. It is probable that nearly every person in the Roman empire had witnessed these gruesome executions at least once, and many on multiple occasions. Victims of crucifixion typically died by choking. Suspended from the arms, the weight of the victim’s body severely impeded the ability to draw in air. Sometimes the executioners heartlessly provided the torturous ordeal until starvation or mutilation by wild animals brought an end to the suffering after several agonizing days.

Mark’s account of the crucifixion is filled with royal imagery. Jesus is given a purple robe, a scepter in his hand and a crown of thorns on his head (Mark 15:17). Even as Jesus hangs on the cross, the sign above his head reads, “The King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26). Mark is showing through irony that the one mocked as king truly is king. Jesus is king on the cross: forgiving sin, defeating evil and establishing God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Building up to the crucifixion Mark uses the term “the way.” Mark 1:2 quotes Isaiah 40:3 regarding the way of the cross of Jesus was prepared by God and preached by John the Baptist. Mark identifies the way leads to Jerusalem, where Jesus will be crucified (Mark 8:27-10:52):

- The disciples argued while they were on “the way.”

- Jesus started on His “way” to Jerusalem.

- Bartimaeus follows Jesus on “the way” (Mark 10:52,)

- Jesus pulled back the veil to provide a new “way” to the Father (Mark 15:38).

“The Way” was announced by Jesus as the Kingdom of God (Mark 1.14-15), and He demonstrated it powerfully in word and in deed. Jesus invited all to participate in it precisely by picking up their cross, denying themselves, and following after him (Mark 8.34). Pick it up, deny yourself and hang on it, and you will participate in God’s reign forever (Mark 8.34-38).

The cross provides “the way” to the presence of the Father and opens a role for all in the spreading of the good news of the gospel.

See you Sunday!

Dr. Scott Kallem