The King of the Jews > Mark 15:1-15
15:1 The religious leaders have reached their decision and take Jesus to Pilate in an effort to bring about His death.
15:2-5 Pilate questions Jesus – who doesn’t deny that He is King of the Jews, but Christ is otherwise silent.
15:6-11 Mark introduces us to Barabbas (whose name means “son of the father”), who has been condemned for being a rebel and a murderer. Pilate follows his custom of releasing one prisoner at the Passover and suggests that it be Christ.
15:12-15 Yet the chief priests stir up the crowd to call for Barabbas instead. Though guilty, he is released and Christ is delivered over to be crucified.
Emphasis: Barabbas the sinner will receive mercy and Christ the innocent will die instead.
Context: Jesus has just come from a hearing where the chief priests sought evidence against Him. This trial before Pilate will be followed by His crucifixion.
Theme: Jesus will bear the sins of the guilty.
Gospel: The picture here of Barabbas is meant to show us that Jesus takes the place of the condemned. All who trust in Christ will receive salvation because He has paid the penalty.
Applications: We must see here that God is good even through the “injustice” of Barabbas’ release and Christ’s crucifixion – this is how salvation is being provided. That reality should also cause us to trust in the Lord’s justice – and His timing. Let us not second-guess God, but instead worship Him for providing so great a salvation in Christ for all who trust Him as Lord and Savior.
