Mark 15
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1Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate. 2Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered, “So you say.” 3The chief priests accused him of many things. 4Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!” 5But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled. 6Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him. 7There was one called Barabbas, bound with his fellow insurgents, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. 8The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. 9Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 10For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up. 11But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead. 12Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?” 13They cried out again, “Crucify him!” 14Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!” 15Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified. 16The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort. 17They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18They began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him. 20When they had mocked him, they took the purple off him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him. 21They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross. 22They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, “The place of a skull.” 23They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it. 24Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take. 25It was the third hour, and they crucified him. 26The superscription of his accusation was written over him, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 27With him they crucified two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left. 28The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, “He was counted with transgressors.” 29Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, 30save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31Likewise, also the chief priests mocking among themselves with the scribes said, “He saved others. He can’t save himself. 32Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe him.” Those who were crucified with him also insulted him. 33When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35Some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36One ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down.” 37Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. 38The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. 39When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; 41who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and served him; and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. 42When evening had now come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. 44Pilate marveled if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long. 45When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last."”
Mark 15:37
Summary
Mark 15 recounts the trial, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus. The chapter opens with Jesus being brought before Pontius Pilate by the Sanhedrin. Despite finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate succumbs to the crowd's demands and sentences Jesus to be crucified. The Roman soldiers mock Jesus by placing a crown of thorns on His head and clothing Him in a purple robe. As Jesus is led to Golgotha, Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry His cross. Jesus is crucified alongside two criminals, and darkness covers the land during His suffering. The chapter reveals the agony and humiliation Jesus endures as He cries out to God and ultimately breathes His last. A centurion witnessing these events declares Jesus as the Son of God, which underscores the divine revelation present in His death. Joseph of Arimathea bravely approaches Pilate to request Jesus’ body and provides a proper burial, indicating the respect and devotion some followers held for Jesus even in His death.
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Chapter outline
How Mark 15 unfolds
Mark 15:1–5 Jesus is Brought Before Pilate
The chief priests and council consult and bring Jesus to Pilate, accusing him of various charges. Pilate questions Jesus, who remains mostly silent, causing Pilate to marvel at his composure.
Mark 15:6–15 Barabbas or Jesus?
During the feast, Pilate offers to release a prisoner. The crowd, incited by the chief priests, demand Barabbas, leading Pilate to reluctantly hand Jesus over for crucifixion after flogging.
Mark 15:16–20 Mocking of Jesus
The soldiers mock Jesus in the Praetorium, dressing him in a purple robe and crown of thorns. They pay him mock homage before leading him out to crucify him.
Mark 15:21–32 The Crucifixion Begins
Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus' cross as they arrive at Golgotha. Jesus is crucified alongside criminals, and darkness covers the land as onlookers insult him.
Mark 15:33–39 Jesus’ Death
At the ninth hour, Jesus cries out in despair and breathes his last. The temple veil is torn, and a centurion acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God.
Mark 15:40–47 Burial of Jesus
Women witness Jesus' crucifixion from afar. Joseph of Arimathea requests Jesus' body, receives it from Pilate, and lays it in a tomb, marking the end of Jesus' life.
Key verses
Mark 15:37Mark 15:37 captures the moment of Jesus' death, emphasizing the culmination of his suffering and sacrifice.
Main themes in Mark 15
suffering
Suffering is evident in Jesus' silent endurance during his trial and crucifixion, particularly noted in verses 4 and 15. As he faces mockery, humiliation, and physical agony, the depth of his suffering is portrayed as he carries the weight of humanity's sins. This theme underscores the profound cost of obedience and sacrifice in the face of injustice, inviting reflection on the extent of love and commitment shown in Jesus' actions.
Explore suffering in the Bible →sacrifice
The chapter presents Jesus' ultimate sacrifice through his crucifixion, prominently displayed in verses 24 and 37. His death is not merely an event but rather the culmination of God's redemptive plan, illustrating the profound significance of his willingness to suffer for humanity's sake. This sacrificial act is foundational to the Christian understanding of atonement, revealing the depth of God's love and the necessity of sacrifice in achieving reconciliation.
faithfulness
Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission is poignantly illustrated through his silence before Pilate and his endurance on the cross, especially in verses 5 and 34. His steadfastness in fulfilling God's purpose, even amid public scorn and betrayal, emphasizes the nature of true obedience to divine will. This theme encourages readers to examine their own faithfulness in challenging circumstances, prompting a deeper consideration of what it means to remain steadfast in one's commitments.
redemption
Redemption is foreshadowed in the chapter, especially in the centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God after his death. The act of Jesus dying for the sins of many, even in apparent defeat, signals the promise of salvation. This theme resonates with the larger narrative of hope and restoration in the face of despair.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Mark 15
- Matthew 27Matthew's account parallels Mark's, highlighting the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas.
- Luke 23Luke's narrative emphasizes Pilate's hesitation and the mocking of Jesus by various groups.
- John 19John adds details about Jesus' interaction with Pilate and the inscription on the cross.
- Psalm 22The themes of suffering and abandonment echo in Jesus' cry from the cross.
- Isaiah 53Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant connects with Jesus' sacrificial death.
- John 18Jesus' arrest and trial in John offer a complementary view of the events leading to his crucifixion.
Study questions
Questions for studying Mark 15
- What accusations do the chief priests bring against Jesus before Pilate?
- How does Pilate respond to the crowd's demand for Barabbas?
- What actions do the soldiers take to mock Jesus during his crucifixion?
- In what way does darkness cover the land during Jesus' suffering?
- How does the centurion's declaration reflect a turning point in the narrative?
- What significance does Joseph of Arimathea's actions hold in the context of Jesus' death?
- How do the reactions of the crowd and the priests illustrate a theme of rejection?
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