Summary
Mark 15:1–15 – Jesus Before Pilate
What happens:
Very early in the morning the chief priests, teachers of the law and elders arrest Jesus and take him to Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus about the charges but finds no basis for a death sentence. The crowd insists on releasing Barabbas and demands that Jesus be crucified. Pilate, wanting to satisfy them, hands Jesus over for crucifixion.
What it means:
Jesus stands innocent before human judgment yet is condemned to fulfill God’s plan of redemption. The crowd’s choice of a known criminal over the Savior reveals the depth of human rejection and the cost of God’s mercy.
Mark 15:16–20 – Soldiers Mock Jesus
What happens:
The governor’s soldiers take Jesus into the Praetorium and mock him. They clothe him in a purple robe, place a crown of thorns on his head and salute him as king. They strike him and spit on him before leading him away to be crucified.
What it means:
The soldiers’ mockery highlights the world’s scorn for Christ’s true kingship. Jesus endures humiliation and suffering, demonstrating his willingness to bear shame for the sake of humanity.
Mark 15:21–32 – Crucifixion
What happens:
A passerby named Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus’ cross. They bring Jesus to Golgotha and offer him wine mixed with myrrh, which he refuses. They crucify him and divide his clothes. Above his head they place the charge against him. Two criminals are crucified alongside him and passersby mock him, challenging him to save himself and come down from the cross.
What it means:
Jesus accepts the cross he did not avoid, bearing our sin and shame. The refusal of relief and the mocking of bystanders underscore the depth of his sacrificial love and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Mark 15:33–41 – Death of Jesus
What happens:
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness covers the land. At three Jesus cries out and breathes his last. The curtain of the temple is torn in two. A centurion who witnesses these events declares that Jesus was truly the Son of God. Women who had followed Jesus observe from a distance.
What it means:
The supernatural darkness and torn temple curtain signify the breaking of the barrier between God and humanity. Jesus’ death and the centurion’s confession confirm his divine identity and the new access to God through his sacrifice.
Mark 15:42–47 – Burial of Jesus
What happens:
That evening Joseph of Arimathea, a respected council member, asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. He wraps it in linen and places it in a tomb carved out of rock. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph see where he is laid.
What it means:
Jesus’ burial fulfills scripture and demonstrates the reality of his death. The care shown by his followers in providing a tomb points to hope in his promised resurrection.
Application
- Trust that Jesus’ innocence and suffering were part of God’s redeeming purpose
- Recognize the depth of Christ’s humility in enduring mockery and shame
- Embrace the cross as the means by which barriers between God and us are removed
- Respond to Jesus’ sacrifice with faith in his identity as the Son of God
- Hold to the hope of resurrection that follows the reality of Jesus’ death and burial
