Mark 15: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Mark 15 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, and scribes consult and bring Jesus before Pilate (vv. 1-5). Pilate questions Jesus about being the King of the Jews. The crowd calls for the release of Barabbas, a prisoner, instead of Jesus, who is handed over to be crucified (vv. 6-15). Soldiers mock Jesus, dressing him in purple and placing a crown of thorns on his head (vv. 16-20). Simon of Cyrene bears Jesus' cross as they take him to Golgotha, where he is crucified with two robbers (vv. 21-32). Darkness covers the land, and Jesus cries out, expressing abandonment before he dies (vv. 33-39). Joseph of Arimathaea requests Jesus' body from Pilate. After confirming Jesus' death, he buries him in a tomb (vv. 40-47).

Key verse

“Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit.”
Mark 15:37 (WEB)

Outline

Mark 15:1–5 Jesus is Brought Before Pilate
Mark 15:6–15 Barabbas or Jesus?
Mark 15:16–20 Mocking of Jesus
Mark 15:21–32 The Crucifixion Begins
Mark 15:33–39 Jesus’ Death
Mark 15:40–47 Burial of Jesus

Discussion questions

In v2, how does Jesus respond to Pilate's question about being 'the King of the Jews'?
What is the crowd's response in vv. 13-14 when Pilate asks what to do with Jesus?
Pilate's statement in v10 about the 'envy' of the chief priests: what does this suggest about their motivations?
The phrase 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' in v34: what does this cry indicate about Jesus' experience on the cross?
When have you felt abandoned or alone, as Jesus expresses in v34?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Mark 15: Matthew 27, Luke 23, John 19.

Before next time: read Mark 16.