Mark 15:1-15
"1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.
2 And Pilate asked Him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And He answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.
3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things: but He answered nothing.
4 And Pilate asked Him again, saying, Answerest Thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against Thee.
5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Him for envy.
11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto Him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
13 And they cried out again, Crucify Him.
14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify Him.
15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged Him, to be crucified."
Today’s verses are the written record of Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate, highlighting the injustice of His condemnation and the theme of substitutionary atonement. The passage falls into two parts: the interrogation and the release of Barabbas.
Jesus Before Pilate (vv. 1–5)
Early in the morning the religious leaders bound Jesus and delivered Him to Pilate. Lacking authority to execute under Roman law, they charged Him with claiming to be King of the Jews; a political accusation meant to force Roman action. When Pilate asked if He was that King, Jesus replied, “Thou sayest it,” affirming His kingship without the earthly meaning Pilate feared. Jesus remained silent under further accusations; Pilate marvelled and recognized the charge sprang from envy.
The Release of Barabbas (vv. 6–15)
At the Passover feast Pilate customarily released one prisoner. The crowd, stirred by the chief priests, demanded Barabbas, an insurrectionist and murderer, and cried for Jesus to be crucified. Preferring to placate the people rather than uphold justice, Pilate had Jesus scourged and handed Him over for crucifixion.
Here an innocent Man is condemned so a guilty man may go free. You and I are Barabbas.
Thank You, Jesus!
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