We are almost finished with our series in Mark. This week we come the burial of Jesus. What is striking in the New Testament is how much we hear of the death of Jesus -- and not just his resurrection -- as something for us to remember. Certainly the resurrection is our joy, but the death that precedes it (including the accompanying mourning) is a definite part of the Christian experience, especially in how we are practically changed. As painful as death and grieving are, something about it is radically transformative. It marks us. In our passage, you see Jesus' death actively changing a centurion, the women, and even a Pharisee. How does that happen? Let's talk about "Burying Jesus" (Mark 15:39-47).
