For [Pilate] perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. Mark 15:10
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 15:1-20, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method:
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus is delivered over by the chief priests, elders, scribes and Jewish leadership council (Sanhedrin) to the Roman authorities for Pilate to ultimately decide Jesus' fate (v1). Pilate questions Jesus but other than a brief “non-responsive” response in v2, Jesus does not respond to Pilate (v5) - similar to how Jesus acted during questioning by the chief priests in chapter 14. Pilate correctly believed that Jesus had done no evil (v14) and saw envy of Jesus as the primary motive for Jesus' arrest (v10). Jesus is not released per the custom during the Passover feast (v6) - instead Barrabas is released (v15). Pilate agrees to crucify Jesus and has him scourged (v15). Jesus is led away and it is implied that a whole battalion (v16) is in place (hundreds of soldiers) to be prepared for wider unrest in Jerusalem given Jesus' popularity, following and the hatred stirred up against Jesus by Jewish temple leadership. Jesus is mocked as they gave Him a purple cloak (purple typically reserved for wealthy/powerful people and royalty) and crown of thorns. He is beaten and spit upon then lead away for crucifixion (vv17-20).
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: Jewish leadership is indeed envious of Jesus and this animates their desire to have Him suffer and die - Pilate's offer to release Jesus is roundly rejected and alarmingly the Jewish leaders want a murderer (v7) who played a role in insurrection against Roman rule (ironically something the Jews accepted but despised) - Pilate readily agrees to the release of Barrabas despite knowing this. Roman governing power is indeed intimidating as Pilate seeks to placate Jewish leadership while avoiding wider civil unrest.
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Envy is a powerful emotion and we see this at work with Jesus' arrest, etc. Do not covet is one of the ten commandments. We are to obey governing authorities (see Romans 13) except when in conflict with Jesus' commands. We are to follow Jesus' example of sharing the gospel even under threat of arrest and persecution - we are to trust that God will protect us either physically - at least spiritually. In the face of trouble, we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world (including death) - John 16:33.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - thank You Jesus! Amazing grace indeed - thank You for the greatest gift of all time - salvation. I am not deserving...my sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
