Mark description of Jesus’ trial and sentencing to death seems simple and straightforward. Even so, his record of the events is packed with meaning. For the Romans crucifixion was their ultimate show of force. They executed thousands in Israel this way. Mark didn’t need to say much. But, there was something that Mark made a point to say, over and over. Six times in 15: 1-32 Mark says Jesus died as King of the Jews. It was Jesus, the King of the Jews, that confronted the Romans and their oppression which was built on the power of death.
Mark also wants us to see Jesus as the Messiah in a particular way. As Jesus stood silent before Pilate the Suffering Servant-King Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 53:7 is brought forward:
He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
Mark also makes clear Jesus was innocent, again fulfilling Isaiah’s prophetic words in 53: 8-9:
Unjustly condemned,
he was led away.
No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.
He had done no wrong
and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man’s grave.
Mark remembers Barabbas’ role in this drama for one reason. Jesus was innocent and was put to death. Barabbas was guilty and set free.
With tears in my eyes, I’ll now sit back and reflect on how God showed his great love for me by sending Christ, the innocent one, to die for me, the guilty one.
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
18-Nov-11 Mark 15:22-41
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