Mark 15:1-20
The Lord Jesus was taken by the chief men of Jerusalem to the hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, for trial. He was bound as though a man to be feared, and the priests told Pilate that He claimed to be the king of their nation, which would not he allowed by the Romans, and they expected Pilate would soon punish Him.
Pilate asked Jesus, “Art Thou the king of the Jews?”
The Lord answered, “Thou sayest it.” That meant, “It is true.”
Jesus had ridden into the city a short time before this, to let the people accept Him as King, but these men had refused. They now said many false things of Him. Pilate wondered that Jesus did not try to answer or defend Himself, and knew that the charges were untrue, and wanted to free Jesus.
The Romans were severe rulers, yet it was a custom at each Passover time for them to allow the Jews to choose one prisoner to go free, as a very special privilege, and Pilate asked if he should release Jesus.
There was then a man in prison named Barabbas, who had rebelled against the government, and also had killed someone. He was the man the Jewish leaders wanted to be free, and urged the people to choose him.
Pilate let them have their way to quiet and please them, although he knew Jesus was just and innocent. He next scourged Jesus, which means to whip with leather cords, and gave the soldiers authority to mock and crucify Him. They treated Him with great cruelty, then led Him away.
To choose a man who had done much evil, instead of the Holy One who had done wonderful good, and fully spoken God’s words, shows their hearts were full of hatred. It makes us know God’s love for sinners, and the Lord Jesus’ love to hear such treatment.
The trial of Jesus was before the highest men of the Jewish nation, and the judge, Pilate, representing the Romans, who then ruled all the world. They all refused the Son of God as King and Lord. All who were there must have made a choice in their hearts, and that is what we must each do now when we hear the words of the trial of Jesus and how He suffered, “the Just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18). Because it was for us He suffered, as for the people then.
There is to be a time when the Lord Jesus will be the Great Judge,
“God hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man Whom He hath ordained.” Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1.
He will be the Judge at the “great white throne:” (Read carefully Revelation 20:11-15).
But He still waits, offering His love and sacrifice for all who will trust Him. These are words said by Peter about’ the trial of Jesus:
“God ... hath glorified His Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate ... Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you.” Acts 3:13,14.
ML 08/20/1944