Mark 15:1-12
Jesus Faces Pilate
15 Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.
2 Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”
3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing.
4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!”
5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.
Taking the Place of Barabbas
6 Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested.
7 And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.
8 Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them.
9 But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.
11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.
12 Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
Context
- Why drove the chief priests’ bloodthirst? (Mark 11:15, 18, 12:12, 14:10, John 8:44-47)
Reflection
- Why did Pilate ‘marvel’ & ‘find no fault in Him?’ (Mark 15:4, 5, John 18:36-38, 1 Timothy 6:13)
- How could Jesus remain silent in the face of such accusations? (Isaiah 53:7, 9, Mark 14:61, 15:3, Luke 22:67, 68)
- Why would they choose a murderous terrorist over the sinless messiah? (Matthew 27:24, 25, Mark 15:6-8, John 1:12)
Testimony Time
- What will you do with the King of the Jews?
- Who can you ask this question today? (Acts 4:12, Colossians 1:28, 1 Peter 3:15)
