Mark chapter 15 describes the trial, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus. It is a chapter filled with injustice, mockery, and cruelty, yet it also highlights Jesus’ unwavering submission to God’s will. His death on the cross is the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
At dawn, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole council hold a consultation and decide to hand Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus responds, "You say so." The chief priests accuse him of many things, but Jesus remains silent, astonishing Pilate.
During the festival, it is customary for Pilate to release one prisoner chosen by the people. A man named Barabbas, imprisoned for murder and rebellion, is among the prisoners. Pilate, knowing the chief priests have handed Jesus over out of envy, asks the crowd if they want him to release Jesus, the King of the Jews. However, the chief priests stir up the crowd to demand Barabbas instead. Pilate asks, "What then should I do with him whom you call the King of the Jews?" The crowd shouts, "Crucify him!" Pilate, wanting to satisfy the people, releases Barabbas and has Jesus scourged before delivering him to be crucified.
The soldiers take Jesus into the Praetorium and call together the entire cohort. They clothe him in a purple robe, place a crown of thorns on his head, and begin to mock him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They strike him on the head with a reed, spit on him, and kneel before him in mock worship. After they finish mocking him, they strip him of the purple robe and lead him out to crucify him.
As they go, they force Simon of Cyrene, who is passing by, to carry Jesus' cross. They arrive at Golgotha, which means "the place of a skull." They offer Jesus wine mixed with myrrh, but he refuses to drink it. Then they crucify him and divide his garments, casting lots to determine who will take what. It is the third hour (about 9 a.m.) when they crucify him. A sign above his head reads, "The King of the Jews." Two robbers are crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Passersby mock Jesus, shaking their heads and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself and come down from the cross!" The chief priests and scribes also mock him, saying, "He saved others, but he can’t save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, that we may see and believe." Even those crucified with him insult him.
At the sixth hour (noon), darkness covers the land until the ninth hour (3 p.m.). At the ninth hour, Jesus cries out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Some bystanders misunderstand, thinking he is calling for Elijah. One man runs to soak a sponge in vinegar, places it on a reed, and offers it to Jesus, saying, "Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down." Then Jesus lets out a loud cry and breathes his last.
At that moment, the veil of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion standing in front of Jesus sees how he dies, he declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"
Several women watch from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and Salome. These women had followed Jesus and ministered to him during his time in Galilee.
As evening approaches, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council who is waiting for the Kingdom of God, boldly asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. Pilate is surprised that Jesus is already dead and verifies it with the centurion before granting the body to Joseph. Joseph buys a linen cloth, takes Jesus down, wraps him in the linen, and lays him in a tomb cut from rock. He rolls a stone against the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses see where Jesus is laid.
Mark 15 is a somber and painful account of Jesus’ suffering and death. Pilate, though aware of Jesus’ innocence, chooses political convenience over justice. The crowd, manipulated by the religious leaders, demands crucifixion. The soldiers mock Jesus, and even those crucified with him insult him. Yet, in the midst of cruelty, we see God’s plan unfolding.
Jesus’ cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" echoes Psalm 22, revealing his deep agony as he bears the sin of the world. The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes a new way into God’s presence, no longer restricted by the old system. The centurion’s declaration confirms that even a Roman soldier recognizes Jesus’ divinity.
Through the horror of the crucifixion, we see the depth of God’s love. Jesus willingly endures suffering to redeem us. His sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy and the foundation of salvation.