Jesus is Delivered to be Crucified
February 18, 2020
Commentary
The night meeting of the Sanhedrin had been illegal, so as soon as morning came, they gathered again to make it official. They bound Jesus and led Him to Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea (v. 1). According to Luke 23:1–2, they brought three charges: they accused Him of perverting the people, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be a king. This reveals how truth can be twisted to achieve selfish and sinful purposes by sinful human hearts.
It is important to notice that the religious leaders had first wrongly accused Jesus of blasphemy, but they did not bring this charge before Pilate. They knew he would not be concerned with religious matters. Instead, they presented political accusations, claiming that Jesus opposed Caesar. Pilate asked Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (v. 2). Jesus answered in a way that showed His kingdom was not a political threat. The chief priests continued to accuse Him (v. 3), but Jesus remained silent, fulfilling Scripture: “As a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.” He could have defended Himself, yet He chose not to speak (vv. 4–5). Even in silence, He remained in full control, trusting the Father’s plan and submitting completely to God’s perfect will in obedience.
Pilate then tried to release Jesus. It was his custom to free one prisoner during the Passover (vv. 6–10). He offered the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a man involved in rebellion and murder. The chief priests stirred the crowd to ask for Barabbas instead (v. 11). Though Jesus was innocent, the people chose a guilty man, showing how easily truth can be rejected when hearts are influenced by sin and pressure. They chose wrongly at that moment.
Application
I examine my heart and decisions. Do I follow truth or give in to pressure? Am I willing to stand for what is right? Do I trust God when I do not understand? Do I stand firm in trials? To remain faithful, I will choose what is right and walk in obedience with a humble and steady heart, and stay strong each day.
Mark 15:1–15 (NET)
1 Early in the morning, after forming a plan, the chief priests with the elders and the experts in the law and the whole Sanhedrin tied Jesus up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He replied, “You say so.” 3 Then the chief priests began to accuse him repeatedly. 4 So Pilate asked him again, “Have you nothing to say? See how many charges they are bringing against you!” 5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.
6 During the feast it was customary to release one prisoner to the people, whomever they requested. 7 A man named Barabbas was imprisoned with rebels who had committed murder during an insurrection. 8 Then the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to release a prisoner for them, as was his custom. 9 So Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” 10 (For he knew that the chief priests had handed him over because of envy.) 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas instead. 12 So Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call king of the Jews?” 13 They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 14 Pilate asked them, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they shouted more insistently, “Crucify him!” 15 Because he wanted to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them. Then, after he had Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.
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