Category: Uncategorized

Mark 15:7 “And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.”

   We assume that Barabbas’ fellow rebels were the thieves crucified on either side of Jesus. However, this is only conjecture, we cannot be for sure on that point. It is possible that Barabbas’ associates were released with him, though not likely.
   This episode highlights for us something that is important to be aware of at the time of Jesus. There were many who would have claimed to be the Messiah. There were many trying to lead insurrections against Rome. There were many who ended up being in criminal trouble because of their activity in this way. However, Jesus was different from them all. He was not identified as a revolutionary by the Romans. Indeed, had it not been for the Jewish leaders Jesus would not have been in a Roman court on this day.
   The story of Barabbas serves to highlight this fact. Early tradition suggests that Barabbas’ full name was Jesus Barabbas. In Aramaic Jesus Barabbas would mean savior, the son of the father. What a contrast! Jesus of Nazareth, called by Pilate ‘the King of the Jews’, is found innocent by this Roman Prefect. Barabbas, on the other hand, is a thief and murderer. Jesus was only there due to the jealousy of the Jews. Barabbas was already condemned and imprisoned by the Romans as a deadly revolutionary. And yet, who do the Jews want released? Barabbas. This shows us what kind of Messiah they were looking for. As many other nations, they were chafing under the Roman collar. They celebrated such ruffians. And, it ultimately cost the nation its freedom.

Heavenly Father, help us not to trust in our own wisdom. There is a way that seems right to us. But, we will trust your infinite wisdom. Only you know what you have planned for every specific. And, your Word has given us a guideline for the future. Thank you! We will trust you for our revolutions. In Christ will we live and move and have our being. He is peace and love, and he is justice and judgement. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 15:6 “Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested.”

   The Jews were a difficult bunch to control. They tended to get out of hand if they felt they hadn’t been treated well. Despite this, they could be good at governing themselves if they wanted to be. Herod was their king, but he was more of a figurehead when it came to keeping the peace. The Roman officials still had to be the ones to keep the nation in line. Thus, favors such as this could be used to make them feel better about the state of affairs. A little give and take was, for the Romans, a justifiable nuisance. Often the prisoners they requested were likely arrested for sedition anyway.

Heavenly Father, may we always do things decently and in order. Without complaining, murmuring, fighting, and grumbling, may we accept from your hand what you have prepared for us. You know what is best and you love us so much. Thank you for your care. We will praise you with our attitude. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 15:5 “But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.”

   Jesus solicited this sort of response from many while he was here on earth. He was not what anyone expected, and yet he was exactly what he should be given Who he is. It confused the regular thought processes of persons used to earth only. Jesus was from heaven, and as such his motivations were different from humanity. Christians should be the same, having a heavenly outlook.

Heavenly Father, you are so different from us. But yet, you are so familiar. You made us. You are the Source of what we are. We cannot even exist without you. And, through Christ, we are your family, and you are ours. Wow! I love you so much! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:4 “Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!”

   Pilate launched into another line of questioning, trying to determine what Jesus was guilty of. He probably felt at this point that Jesus was either a mad man, or he was really smart. He finally ended up coming to the conclusion that all was not right about Jesus, but that he was not worthy of the sentence that the Jews had passed upon him.
   Pilate was surely used to dealing with a totally different kind of clientele. Jesus was far from what he expected. He had anticipated quite a headache coming from both sides. In this case, it was only the Jews who were stirring up trouble.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your gracious loving kindness, your mercy, and your truth. Your love for us is absolutely amazing! We love you because you first loved us. We will live our lives for you, to honor and obey you. That is the greatest thing we can do. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 15:3 “And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing.”

   Jesus had quite a few reasons for not answering his accusers. The biggest reason was that this fulfilled Scripture. It was consistent with what had been foretold concerning him. Another reason is that it was Jesus’ purpose to be condemned by these men. Further, he did not want to make a defence because his defence would have been quite convincing. There were those among the leadership that were not as convinced of his guilt as others. They could possibly have been persuaded to change their minds. But the simplest reason is simply that he was silent because the accusations were totally unfounded, as Pilate well knew.

Heavenly Father, we like to defend ourselves. But remind us that you are our best defense. You can help us when we stand before this world. We need not depend upon our might, but on your infinite wisdom. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 15:2 “Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”

   Jesus did not hide his identity. Pilate asked a direct question. He didn’t have to have witnesses like the Jews. If he thought Jesus was guilty, then he was. If he thought he was innocent, then he was. So, he examined him much like a judge would in lower courts. Since Jesus was not a Roman citizen, he had no real rights before a Roman official like Pilate.
   And why did Pilate ask this? He was looking for things that would be offensive to Rome. Claiming to be the Jew’s king would go against Herod, and Herod was in power by the will of the Romans. Jesus could be in a lot of trouble for trying to usurp Herod. However, seeing as Christ did not have violence on his record, Pilate was evidently not very concerned by Jesus’ claim. Troublemakers tend to make trouble. Jesus didn’t make trouble, it followed him. Pilate knew why the Jewish leaders had condemned Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us! It is the joy of our life to know that you have made us, and that you love us. We praise you for your wisdom and power. May we live to serve you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 15:1 “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.”

   This consultation was little more than a formality. They had already decided what to do to everyone’s satisfaction. Taking him to Pilate was their only option. They were not allowed to execute people themselves. This does not, however, change the fact that he comes to Pilate as a prisoner, guilty until judged innocent.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Christ! The sacrifice for our sin is complete once and for all, and Jesus is our Lord and Savior. We will forever praise him for the work of the cross which he did for us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:72 “A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.”

   Ah, what a human place to be! We find ourselves here many times. But must it always be thus? No! We may drink deeply from the stream that changed Peter’s outlook. Though a denier, he went on to proclaim Christ before some of the very same persons here present. He did not look back, but gained forgiveness and looked forward to what Christ would have him serve to him. He quit asking how could I have failed? And began asking how could I quit? He knew living for Jesus a life that is true is our aim. And it takes no back seat to failure. A righteous man falls seven times and rises yet again.

Heavenly Father, may we never dishonor you in our present because we disgraced you in our past! You alone may see to the consequences of our disobedience. And we will submit to that. But to chastise ourselves is not our place. Rather as did one of our great leaders, Peter, we will sorrow for our faults, but move on in your forgiveness knowing you alone may judge us rightly. Oh we praise you for your fairness, faithfulness, and forgiveness! May we never cease to honor your Holy Name! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:71 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!”

   Now he would look really silly if he admitted the fact. So, he begins to act as a flagrant fellow, tossing out words he ought not to say. This often happens when we are embarrassed and feel trapped by our own failures. We turn to sin as a solution, but it only makes things worse.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the best solutions to our problems. We think we have it all figured out, and then we just sin again. But you are always leading us in the best path. Your Word gives us the truths we need. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:70 “But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.”

   His accent easily gave him away. Not being from Jerusalem, he really stuck out. This is one of those cases where what he knew he should do was fighting with what he was doing. He couldn’t bring himself to leave, but he wanted to pretend he wasn’t there. We become very unreasonable when we are trying to be good in our own strength. Peter here discovers the truth of this.

Heavenly Father, I praise you for your great and amazing love for us! You are ready to give us the supply we need to be the people we want to be. Yet so often we just settle for trying to make it up ourselves. Oh thank you for your mercy! You are patient with us. I love you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.