Study Questions for June 28, 2026

The Proven Son of God by Reid Schultheis
Read Mark 14:43-72; Mark 15:15-39; and Mark 16:1-8.

1. Reid begins the sermon by establishing a chronological timeline of Jesus' final hours: Judas’s betrayal, the arrest, the religious and civil trials, the crucifixion, and finally the resurrection. How does seeing this progression of events as a historical reality help you grasp the weight of what Jesus endured for your sake?
2. In the culture of the time, a disciple was never permitted to address their rabbi first, as doing so implied they were equals. Discuss how Judas’s use of the title "Rabbi" and his kiss of betrayal was a high-handed insult that revealed he did not truly believe Jesus was Lord.
3. The sermon highlights that while Judas’s rejection was premeditated and high-handed, Peter’s rejection was an unplanned caving to the desire for comfort and self-preservation. Why is it often easier to "other" someone like Judas than to admit that our own hearts are, as John Calvin put it, "idol factories" that frequently choose comfort over Christ?
4. Read Mark 14:53-56. The religious leaders hated Jesus for years, yet they could not find a single valid charge against Him. Reid points out that if a private investigator followed us or searched our digital devices, we would all be found guilty of something. How does the fact that Jesus is the only person in history to be found perfectly innocent help you understand your own need for Him as your substitute?
5. Read Mark 14:61-62. Jesus remained silent during the false accusations but spoke clearly when asked if He was the Messiah, identifying Himself as the Son of Man from Daniel 7 who would judge the world. How does Jesus’ claim to be the Lord of the universe leave us with only two choices: to accept Him as Lord or reject Him as a lunatic?
6. The sermon describes salvation as "the great swap," where Jesus provides Himself as our substitute. How does the reality that Jesus was treated as a criminal even though He was innocent allow us to be treated as innocent even though we have broken God's law?
7. Read Mark 15:15-39. In the sermon, Reid identifies seven specific ways Jesus acted as our substitute during His crucifixion, taking what we deserved so that we could receive what He earned. Which of these acts of substitution most humbles you today as you consider what He endured on your behalf?
   • Mocked for being a King: Jesus was mocked for His claim to be King so that we, who often try to "be our own gods," could be forgiven.
   • Mockingly Worshiped: He was treated with fake adoration because we often demand worship and attention from others that we do not deserve.
   • Refused the Painkiller: He refused the drugged wine to stay fully conscious for the physical and spiritual torment of the cross so that we would not have to experience the "fully conscious torment" of judgment.
   • Fully Exposed and Shamed: He was stripped naked and shamed so that our own shameful deeds would not have to be exposed and judged.
   • Treated as a Criminal: Although perfectly innocent, He was executed as a criminal so that we, who have actually broken God's law, could be treated as innocent.
   • Mocked for being Unable to Save Himself: He stayed on the cross despite the jeers so that we, who truly cannot save ourselves, could be rescued.
   • Abandoned by the Father: He cried out, "Why have you abandoned me?" so that we could be eternally accepted by the Father.
8. Reid emphasizes that Christianity stands or falls on the reality of the resurrection. If Jesus had stayed in the tomb, how would that change the significance of His claims and His death?
9. Read Mark 16:1-7. The angel specifically told the women to tell the disciples, "including Peter," that Jesus was going ahead of them. What does this specific mention of Peter teach you about Jesus' heart toward those who have failed Him?
10. Reflect and Respond: The central question of this series is: "Who do you say Jesus is?". In light of His trials, His substitutionary death, and His resurrection, what is one area of your life where you need to move from "middle-ground" respect to total allegiance to Him as the Proven Son of God?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank Jesus for being the innocent substitute who took your guilt. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live not for your own comfort, but in the light of the resurrection victory He has proven for you.

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Analogy for Understanding: Imagine you have accumulated a debt of guilt so massive that you could never pay it back, even with a thousand lifetimes of effort. Jesus has a "bank account" of infinite innocence and perfect righteousness. The "Great Swap" is a legal bank transfer where Jesus takes your entire debt onto His own account and transfers His infinite wealth into yours. His death on the cross was Him paying that debt in full, and His resurrection is the official receipt proving that the transaction is finished and your debt no longer exists.