They met to legalize what they had already decided in secret
the night before.
THEY BOUND JESUS: The ceasing of his work for the good
of men. Do WE bind Christ's hands today?
...LED HIM AWAY... TO PILATE: Who had been previously
prepared by a bribe: see Mic 7:3. In effect the leaders of Israel were leading
their own nation to the judgment!
PILATE: Governor of Judea, soldier of Spain, served
with Germanicus in Germany. During stay in Rome, married Claudia (illegitimate
daughter of Tiberius, and granddaughter of Augustus). This family connection
aided him to become procurator. Always a crude and tactless man, as seen in
affairs of imperial ensign, Corban money to build aqueducts, etc (HVM 116-118).
But he tried Jesus' case generally with fairness, prob influenced by Claudia,
who dreamed of "that righteous man" after hearing Pilate's conversation with
Caiaphas of the night before. (The dream planted by an angel?) His actions at
the trial of Jesus were a total reversal of his previous form: ordinarily, he
was anything but a weak, indecisive man!
Mar 15:2
ARE YOU THE KING?: Pilate already knew the charges
(thus proving an earlier, unrecorded interview with Jewish leaders). But he
recognizes this is not the figure nor the conduct of a "real king" (ie a
political "pretender").
Mar 15:3
The Jewish leaders begin to "dream up" other charges: wild,
unfounded accusations. They are desperate; time is running out. They are afraid
that the "common people" will learn what they are doing before they can finish
the job.
Mar 15:5
BUT JESUS STILL MADE NO REPLY: No man ever spoke like
this man (Joh 7:46), and no man was ever silent quite like this man! In his
silence he showed himself the true lamb of God, silent before its shearers (Act
8:32; Isa 53:7).
AND PILATE WAS AMAZED: Sw Isa 52:15 LXX: "Many nations
marvelled at him!"
Mar 15:7
Barabbas was also a rebel (Luk 23:19) and a robber (Joh
18:40).
Mar 15:9
Pilate hoped they would ask for Jesus' release also, with
which he would have gladly complied.
Mar 15:10
KNOWING: "Eginosken" = "it was dawning on
him".
OUT OF ENVY: Cp Abel (Gen 4:4,5), Joseph (Gen 37:11),
Moses (Psa 106:16), Paul (Act 13:45).
Mar 15:11
The slayer of men was saved (v 11), while the savior of men
was slain (vv 12,13).
Mar 15:12
Pilate hopes that they will ask for his release too, with
which he would have gladly complied.
Jesus is standing in Pilate's hall,
Friendless, forsaken, betrayed by all.
Hearken, what meaneth the sudden call:
"What will you do with Jesus?"
Jesus is standing on trial still.
You can be false to him, if you will,
Or you can be faithful through good or ill.
"What will you do with Jesus?"
"What will you do with Jesus?"
Neutral you cannot be.
Someday your heart will be asking,
"What will He do with me?"
Mar 15:13
The day of crucifixion: Friday, as suggested by JT (Elp 17): 6
days work in final week, resting on 7th day, arose on 8th day and "was
refreshed".
Mar 15:14
"Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they
asked Pilate to have him executed" (Act 13:28). Cp also Act 3:13; Exo
23:2.
Mar 15:15
WANTING TO SATISFY THE CROWD: "The hallmark of the
career politician in every age: Act 12:3; 2:27; Exo 32:1" (WGos 761). A riot
would endanger his own position, and poss his very position. Some of his past
actions already made him suspect in Rome (Luk 13:1) for antagonizing the Jews
unnecessarily.
Mar 15:17
Was the robe at Christ's trial purple (Mark 15:17; John
19:2,5) or scarlet (Mat 27:28)? Many commentators state that the two colors were
often confused, and dismiss the matter casually as "purple, or scarlet", as if
to say it does not matter. Purple was the color of royalty, whereas the common
Roman soldiers' cloak was scarlet (so we are told). Perhaps the cloak initially
thrown over Jesus' shoulders was scarlet, belonging to one of the soldiers; but
that it was further augmented by a purple scarf or cape, since the intention of
his mockers was clearly to portray Jesus as king.
A travesty of the imperial garb: scarlet cloak, laurel wreath,
and scepter.
A CROWN OF THORNS: But the crown (stephanos) of thorns
became a crown (stephanos) of victory. There is a crown of pride (Isa 28:3),
which no one should wear. A crown of thorns (Mat 27:29), which no one can wear.
And a crown of life (Jam 1:12), which everyone may wear.
"In making fun of the king of the Jews, they were mocking, not
Christ, but their own Caesar, and every Caesar, king or ruler than ever had
been, or will be. They were making human power itself a subject of scorn).
Thenceforth, for all to see, thorns sprouted under every golden crown, and
underneath every royal robe there was stricken and smitten flesh" (M
Muggeridge). From that time forward, every power and every pretension of foolish
mankind would be ludicrous alongside the one true crown, the crown of thorns
worn by Jesus. From that time forward, the only meaningful power would be that
which originated in his suffering.
Mar 15:19
AND SPIT ON HIM: According to the Mishna, the Jews spit
upon the scapegoat, so as to transfer their sins to it! The spitting in the face
would be an intended satire to the kiss of allegiance.
Mar 15:20
TO CRUCIFY HIM: Crosspiece laid on ground, then
attached to upright stake. Spikes in ankles and wrists. Lifted and jolted into
place. Severe pain. Heat. Thirst. Flies. Difficulties in breathing. Dust. Abuse
from observers. Shame of nakedness (Mar 15:24; Psa 22:18). Hallucinations?
Depression (the "shadow of death")?
Mar 15:21
SIMON FROM CYRENE: Simon was father of Alexander and
Rufus (Rom 16:13). So evidently Simon became a follower of Christ (Mat
10:38,39). This day, he began the trip (Mat 5:41) which he continued all the
rest of his life. See Lesson, Simon of Cyrene poem.
THE FATHER OF ALEXANDER AND RUFUS: "Clement of
Alexandria, who lived about the end of the second century, declares, that Mark
wrote this Gospel on St Peter's authority at Rome. Jerome, who lived in the
fourth century, says, that Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, being
requested by his brethren at Rome, wrote a short Gospel.
"Now this circumstance may account for his designating Simon
as the father of Rufus at least; for we find that a disciple of that name, and
of considerable note, was resident at Rome, when Paul wrote his Epistle to the
Romans. 'Salute Rufus,' says he, 'chosen in the Lord' [Rom 16:13]. Thus, by
mentioning a man living upon the spot where he was writing, and amongst the
people whom he addressed, Mark was giving a reference for the truth of his
narrative, which must have been accessible and satisfactory to all; since Rufus
could not have failed knowing the particulars of the Crucifixion (the great
event to which the Christians looked), when his father had been so intimately
concerned in it as to have been the reluctant bearer of the cross.
"Of course, the force of this argument depends on the identity
of the Rufus of Mark and the Rufus of Paul, which I have no means of proving;
but admitting it to be probable that they were the same persons (which, I think,
may be admitted, for Paul, we see, expressly speaks of a distinguished disciple
of the name of Rufus at Rome, and Mark, writing for the Romans, mentions Rufus,
the son of Simon, as well known to them) -- admitting this, the coincidence is
striking, and serves to account for what otherwise seems a piece of purely
gratuitous and needless information offered by Mark to his readers, namely, that
Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus; a fact omitted by the other
Evangelists, and apparently turned to no advantage by himself" (USC
4:19).
THEY FORCED HIM TO CARRY THE CROSS: "Without the camp,
bearing his reproach" (Heb 13:12,13). Simon was "drafted" to go one mile (Mat
5:41). He "volunteered" to go the second mile, to baptism and beyond (Rom
16:13).
MIXED WITH MYRRH: And gall (Mat 27:34). By tradition,
said to be provided by a woman's society of Jerusalem, a humanitarian gesture to
ease the excruciating pains of crucifixion.
BUT HE DID NOT TAKE IT: Taking drugs would have
distorted a sacrifice of intelligent, reasoning obedience (Rom 12:1,2). But he
was also offered wine vinegar (alone?) at the end (Joh 19:29,30), which he did
take.
Mar 15:24
AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM: Crosspiece laid on ground, then
attached to upright stake. Spikes in ankles and wrists. Lifted and jolted into
place. Severe pain. Heat. Thirst. Flies. Difficulties in breathing. Dust. Abuse
from observers. Shame of nakedness (Mar 15:24; Psa 22:18). Hallucinations?
Depression (the "shadow of death")?
DIVIDING UP HIS CLOTHES: The disposal of Jesus'
personal effects: his purse to Judas (Joh 13:29), his clothes to soldiers (Mat
27:35; Mar 15:24; Joh 19:23), his mother to John (Joh 19:27), his "spirit" to
God (Luk 23:46), and his body to Joseph (Joh 19:38).
Mar 15:25
THEY CRUCIFIED HIM: The practice probably originated in
Asia Minor, being adopted by the Persians and Phoenicians -- who also impaled,
speared, stoned, strangled, drowned, burned, or boiled victims in oil.
Crucifixion reached Europe in 3rd century BC, and was adopted by the Romans as a
strong deterrent to crime or rebellion.
The patibulum, or cross-piece, was probably the portion of the
cross carried by Christ; it weighed -- alone -- about 100 lbs. The stipes, or
upright piece, was probably permanently erected at the site of
executions.
Crosspiece laid on ground, then attached to upright stake.
Spikes in ankles and wrists. Lifted and jolted into place. Severe pain. Heat.
Thirst. Flies. Difficulties in breathing. Dust. Abuse from observers. Shame of
nakedness (Mar 15:24; Psa 22:18). Hallucinations? Depression (the "shadow of
death")?
A small seat was prob attached to the stipes, so that the
crucified man might sit periodically, to relieve the strain and weight put on
the arms and shoulders. In this way, and because the will to live would be so
strong in most men being executed, the whole process of crucifixion would be
considerably lengthened, and the suffering prolonged. Death would come,
eventually, by asphyxiation... when it would become too difficult to hold
oneself up so as to draw breath.
Four handwritings: upon the stone (Exo 20:2); upon the wall
(Dan 5:24); upon the ground (John 8:6); upon the cross (Mat 27:37; Mar 15:26;
Luk 23:38; John 19:19).
Mar 15:29
Mar 15:29.
A public road ran nearby, and there would be many travelers
that day. Cp Psa 22:8,13-17.
Mar 15:30
COME DOWN... AND SAVE YOURSELF: He did "save himself"
(Heb 9:12) by NOT coming down from the cross. The second temptation ("pinnacle
of the temple") all over again. Instead, he came UP from the grave!
Mar 15:32
THOSE CRUCIFIED WITH HIM ALSO HEAPED INSULTS ON HIM:
But one began to change his mind: Luk 23:39-43.
Mar 15:33
Natural signs at Jesus' birth, and thus also natural signs at
his death. Sig that the "light of the world" (Joh 8:12) was being taken away.
ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?: Mark frequently uses
Aramaic expressions: Boanerges (Mar 3:17), Talitha koum (Mar 5:41), Korban (Mar
7:11), Ephphatha (Mar 7:34), Rabbi (Mar 9:5; 11:21; 14:45), Bartimaeus (Mar
10:46), Abba (Mar 14:36), Golgotha (Mar 15:22), Eloi... (Mar 15:34).
WHY?: "Eis tis" = "unto what"? Cp Mat 27:46.
FORSAKEN: "Enkataleipo" = to leave, withdraw.
WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?: (1) Withdrawal of Holy
Spirit; (2) ever since Gethsemane, no angels; (3) feelings of doubt and fear,
but quickly dispelled as Jesus prayed (Psa 22:2-4,19,21,22,25,28...). See
Lesson, Forsaken?
"The tragedy of the cross was necessary to meet the tragedy of
sin. But look closer yet: 'Father if it be possible, let this cup pass.' But the
cup did not pass, it remained; and God watched, as the Son was led to the
slaughter, as the Son was nailed to the cross, as His only begotten Son cried,
'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' Still no hand was stretched out to
save. The Father would not save the Son until the Son had saved us. This however
was not callous indifference; this was being endured by the Father; He was
Himself involved. This was the love of Father and Son together -- 'the remedy
for the defilement of my sin.' Any therefore who would make light of sin, let
him remember, the love of the Father, the love of the Son, the Cross" (Basil
Allsopp, Xd 112:501).
Mar 15:36
AND OFFERED IT TO JESUS TO DRINK: Why? "I thirst" (Joh
19:28).
Mar 15:37
A LOUD CRY: Inconsistent with death from exhaustion.
Perhaps death resulted from the spear thrust (see Mat 27:49n).
Mar 15:38
THE CURTAIN OF THE TEMPLE WAS TORN IN TWO: Under the
Law the evidence of the sacrifice was always to be brought before the Lord --
blood poured out at the base of the altar of burnt-offering, blood on the horns
of the altar of incense, blood before the veil, blood on the mercy-seat itself.
In the death of Jesus, this supreme sacrifice could not be brought into the
temple, so instead the veil was rent and the Glory of the Lord came to Jesus!
[Would this account for the conversion of many priests (Act 6:7)? Cp Heb
10:20.]
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Torn by the hands of
angels!
Mar 15:39
Every NT ref shows centurions in a good light: Luk 7:1-10;
23:47 (Mar 15:39); Act 10:1,2; 22:25,26; 23:17,18; 27:43.
Christ's innocence attested: by Herod (Luk 23:15), by thief
(Luk 23:41), by centurion (Mar 15:39; Luk 23:47), by Judas (Mat 27:4), by Pilate
(Mat 27:24), and by Pilate's wife (Mat 27:19).
THE CENTURION: By tradition, Longinus, later bishop of
Cappadocia, and martyr for Christ (Stalker 280).
SURELY THIS MAN WAS THE SON OF GOD: Thus confirming the
opening of Mark's gospel record (Mar 1:1). Luk 23:47 adds "a righteous
man".
THIS MAN: "Receives sinners" (Luk 15:2). "Never man
spoke like..." (Joh 7:46). "No fault in..." (Luk 23:4,14,41). "Has somewhat to
offer" (Heb 8:3). "Through this man... forgiveness" (Act 13:38). "Is worthy of
more honor than Moses" (Heb 3:3). "Sat down" (Heb 10:12). "Continues forever"
(Heb 7:24). "Was Son of God" (Mar 15:39).
Mar 15:41
"He saw the travail of his soul and was satisfied" (Isa
53:11).
Mar 15:43
The disposal of Jesus' personal effects: his purse to Judas
(Joh 13:29), his clothes to soldiers (Joh 19:23), his mother to John (Joh
19:27), his "spirit" to God (Luk 23:46), and his body to Joseph (Joh
19:38).
JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA: A Joseph -- a just man -- at the
beginning, to care for Jesus. A Joseph -- a just man -- at the end, to care for
Jesus.
A PROMINENT MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL: An "honorable
counsellor" (Mar 15:43), ie one of the 14 priests forming a standing committee
just below the High Priest, who regulated everything connected with Temple
worship (Temple 100).
WENT BOLDLY TO PILATE AND ASKED FOR JESUS' BODY: A
courageous gesture -- to identify oneself with Jesus publicly. (The Sanhedrin
made provision for the brothers of an executed criminal to claim the body. Where
was James?)
Mar 15:46
WRAPPED IT IN THE LINEN: With a great deal of spices
(Joh 19:39,40).
Mar 15:47
SAW WHERE HE WAS LAID: So that they might return, after
Sabbath, to complete the anointing for burial.