The many details of Mark 15

Day 75

OT Reading: Deuteronomy 28

NT Reading: Mark 15:27-47

Mark 15 is just littered with details regarding the events leading up to and involving the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Here I'd just like to hit rapid-fire style a number of items we see.

15:1 - "Very early in the morning"

It was actually illegal according to Jewish law to have a trial take place during the night. Therefore even since they had been meeting for some time, it seems that the Sanhedrin took recess then came back to have their "official" trial at first light. That way they wouldn't technically be breaking the law...well...that one at least.

15:1 - "Handed him over to Pilate"

We see that it was Pilate's custom to meet with the people and settle disputes before noon. And since according to Roman law the Jews could not convict someone to die, they needed Roman approval.

15:2 - " 'Are you the King of the Jews?' asked Pilate. 'Yes, it is as you say,' Jesus replied."

The literal response of Jesus that Mark records would read, "the designation is yours." In other words to answer Pilate's question Jesus essentially says, "Hey...you said it, not me." Thereby affirming his answer...while not officially affirming his answer. Well played Jesus...well played.

15:6 - "Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner..."

Outside of this reference we do not read anything else about this custom in first-century area of Palestine. We do, however, see this sort of custom played out in many of the surrounding regions. Therefore it's not hard to see how it would take place here as well.

15:7, Barabbas...the insurrectionist

Outside of what we see in the Bible, we know nothing more of the particular uprising Barabbas was a part of. They were pretty common in Judea, so it's hard to say what happened. But with this example we further get the idea that Pilate wanted to return Jesus given the violent alternative he offers.

15:15, "Wanting to satisfy the crowd..."

Pilate was a pretty ruthless character, and this got him into some trouble with the locals as well as back in Rome. But more than one local leader had been replaced if they did not have the ability to keep riots and uprisings from happening. So, wanting to try to appease this crowd, Pilate relents.

15:16-20, The soldiers mock Jesus

The fact is, there were a lot better places in the Roman empire to be stationed than here in Judea. The weather wasn't all that great and the locals were often a tremendous amount of trouble and hassle. So these soldiers take a bit of pleasure in beating one who claims to be their king.

15:20, Jesus led out to be crucified

This was not a short trip. On this journey the crossbeam of the cross (called the patibulum) would be placed on the condemned man's back and he would be beaten as he walked to where he'd ultimately die. The route went through some of the busiest parts of town, showing off what happened to those who crossed the Roman empire as well as allowing bystanders to spit on and mock the condemned.

15:21, Simon forced to carry the cross

By Roman law a soldier could, at will, enlist a civilian to carry something for one mile. This could be his armor, supplies, or in this case...a condemned man's cross.

15:24, Cast lots for Jesus clothing.

Those carrying out the crucifixion would get to split the clothing or whatever other possessions the condemned man had on him at the time of his arrest. But in doing this, they unintentionally fulfilled a prophesy about what would happen to the Messiah (Psalm 22:18).

15:26, The written notice

It was common to write the offense of the condemned and post it above his head so that everyone would see the terrible crime(s) he committed.

15:27, They crucified two robbers with him

Since it was the Roman practice to crucify together those who had been involved in the same act, it's quite possible that these two had been in league with Barabbas.

15:34, "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice..."

Two details. One, Jesus was only on the cross for six hours. Typically death by crucifixion took days...it was designed to extract the most amount of pain and humiliation possible. Pilate even is surprised by Jesus' quick death. Second, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. Most deaths by crucifixion were by someone suffocating. This was not the case with Jesus as he would not have been able to cry out in such a loud voice.

15:43, Joseph of Arimathea

Being a prominent member of the council, it would have made political sense for Joseph to keep his faith in Jesus a secret. However by asking for Jesus' body that's no longer an option. Joseph takes a bold stand in doing this.