Mark 15:1-15 | Psalm 15
Pilate is a fascinating character in the story of Jesus’ trial and death. On the one hand, you might feel like putting the blame of Jesus’ death upon Pilate. On the other hand, he tried multiple ways to show the crowd that Jesus was no threat.
It says Pilate marveled at Jesus. Pilate was essentially a vice president of the Roman Empire, placed by the Emperor himself to be governor of Judaea. He marveled at Jesus’ restraint.
But he did give permission for Jesus’ crucifixion in the end.
Mark 15:1-15
At daybreak, the chief priests—with the elders, legal experts, and the whole Sanhedrin—formed a plan. They bound Jesus, led him away, and turned him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus replied, “That’s what you say.” The chief priests were accusing him of many things.
Pilate asked him again, “Aren’t you going to answer? What about all these accusations?” But Jesus gave no more answers, so that Pilate marveled.
During the festival, Pilate released one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. A man named Barabbas was locked up with the rebels who had committed murder during an uprising. The crowd pushed forward and asked Pilate to release someone, as he regularly did. Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” He knew that the chief priests had handed him over because of jealousy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead. Pilate replied, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call king of the Jews?”
They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Why? What wrong has he done?”
They shouted even louder, “Crucify him!”
Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowd, so he released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus whipped, then handed him over to be crucified.
Psalm 15
Who can live in your tent, Lord?
Who can dwell on your holy mountain?
The person who
lives free of blame,
does what is right,
and speaks the truth sincerely;
who does no damage with their talk,
does no harm to a friend,
doesn’t insult a neighbor;
someone who despises
those who act wickedly,
but who honors those
who honor the Lord;
someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts;
someone who doesn’t lend money with interest,
who won’t accept a bribe against any innocent person.
Whoever does these things will never stumble.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for Saturdays. Usually a change of pace for most people.
I’m reminded that it was the original Sabbath and still is for our Jewish brothers and sisters.
Lord, give us sabbath today. Help us to rest in heart, mind, body, and spirit.
Prepare us to be the Body of Christ, even as we receive him.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.