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Mark 15

47 verses

TL;DR

Mark 15 records Jesus’ arrest, trial, mocking, crucifixion, death, and burial, culminating in the centurion’s confession of divine truth.

Summary

After Jesus is seized, the chief priests and council condemn him and present him to Pontius Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus but is placated by the crowd’s demand for the release of the insurrectionist Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus. Soldiers mock and scourge Him, affixing a crown of thorns and a purple robe before leading Him to Golgotha. On the cross Jesus speaks in the Old‑Testament language, dies, and the temple veil splits. The centurion recognizes Him as the Son of God. Women, including Mary Magdalene, observe the burial, and Joseph of Arimathaea receives the body to lay in a new tomb.

Outline
  1. Arrest and trial before Pilate
  2. Mocking and crucifixion
  3. Death, confession, burial
Themes
Justice and injusticeIdentity and sufferingFaith and recognition
Keywords
crucifixiontrialscourgecrown of thornsthe veilsuperscriptioncenturionbetrayalenclosuredeath
People
JesusPontius Pilatechief priestseldersscribesBarabbassoldiersSimon of CyrenianAlexanderRufustwo thievesMary MagdaleneMary the mother of James and JosesSalomeJoseph of Arimathaeacenturioncrowd
Places
JerusalemPraetoriumGolgothaCave of the Rock (sepulcher)Temple
Things
crown of thornspurple robescourgespunge of wine with myrrhstone of tombthe veil of the templesuperscription ‘The King of the Jews’
Key Verses
  • Mark 15:15: Pilate releases Barabbas and orders crucifixion of Jesus, pivotal turning point.
  • Mark 15:34: Jesus’ cry, fulfilling Psalm 22, highlights divine abandonment and human suffering.
  • Mark 15:39: Centurion’s declaration affirms Jesus as Son of God, bridging human witness and divine truth.
  • Mark 15:46: Joseph of Arimathaea’s burial action shows respect for the dead and sets stage for resurrection.
Questions
  • What does Pilate’s refusal to sentence Jesus reveal about Roman justice?
  • How does the crowd’s demand for Barabbas illustrate the tension between political and spiritual authority?
  • In what way does the centurion’s confession alter our understanding of Jesus’ identity?
  • What theological significance does the splitting of the temple veil hold?
  • How does the burial narrative set the stage for the resurrection story?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter conveys profound sorrow and mockery, yet includes moments of divine affirmation and hope.