Mark - Lesson 21

Lesson Twenty-one

The Son of Man Crucified

Mark 15

Knowing the Scriptures

Studies in Mark’s Gospel

LAST WEEK IN REVIEW

We are at the heart of the passion of the Son of Man.  In Mark 14:43–72 we saw Jesus betrayed, arrested, tried (illegally in most respects), and condemned for the truth.  Sadly, we also saw the downfall of Peter, the Rock, now humbled and crumbled into dust.  Yet by God’s grace we know that he was restored and effectively served Christ the rest of his days, just as those of us who have failed the Lord can also find that forgiveness and restoration to effective service for Him.  Jesus was cruelly and illegally mocked by the religious leaders themselves as they convicted Him for proclaiming that He was not just Son of Man, but Son of God.  

The hour for which Jesus was incarnated into our world had come.  This week we will see another person crumble and make the wrong decision about Jesus: Pontius Pilate.  Mark quickly moved through the crucifixion of Jesus to His death and burial, but it is appropriate for us to take time to meditate on what He suffered for us.  This week we’ll have a few less notes and comments when we come to the crucifixion itself so that we can think on it more effectively.  Let’s turn to that now.

DAY ONE:  The Roman Trial

Please carefully read Mark 15:1–10 and answer the following questions.

1.  The religious leaders either continued all night or held a consultation separately with the whole council to make their illegal trial a bit more legitimate.  They then bound Jesus and took Him to Pontius Pilate (his name means armed with a javelin[i]).  He was the fifth Roman prefect (a title later changed to procurator, i.e., imperial magistrate) from a.d. 26–36. He was a harsh governor who despised the Jews (Luke 13:1–2).  Presumably he stayed in Herod’s palace as was customary for provincial governors. If so, Jesus’ trial was held there.[ii]  These governors held court early in the morning, so this was nothing unusual.  Describe the interaction between Pilate, Jesus, and the Jewish leaders, and Pilate’s reaction to this (vv. 2–5).

2.  Pilate knew something was fishy about all of this, and then thought of a way he might avoid the mess.  Who did that involve (vv. 6–8)?

3.  What did He ask the people and why (vv. 9, 10)?

4.  What else happened at this point that Mark omitted (Matthew 27:19; Luke 23:6–12)?

Scripture Memory:  This week we will be memorizing Colossians 2:14 (nlt).  Review the passage several times throughout the day each day this week, and by the end of the week, you should have it memorized completely.

He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross. (Colossians 2:14, nlt)