Who really is on trial here in Mark 15:1-20?...Jesus as ‘King of the Jews’... or the Jewish leadership and the Roman Empire?
Remember that Mark introduced Jesus as Christ, the Son of God, and He has been tirelessly serving humanity.
- 2 illegal trials have been held overnight
- Guards have been allowed to deal out ‘rough justice’ with punching and spitting
- Jesus answers nothing to the false charges
- They have called an illegal meeting of the full council on the holy Preparation Day
- They beg for the release of a murderer in exchange for innocent Jesus
The Jewish leaders are supposed to be keepers of religious law, with the duty before God to uphold justice in the eyes of the world!
What about the Romans, proud upholders of justice throughout the civilised world?....
"So Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged Him, to be crucified."
- Governor Pontius Pilate tries to placate the Jews by...
- Releasing a murderer guilty of insurrection against the Empire
- Condemning a man innocent under law
- Personally flogging a man already sentenced to crucifixion
- Allows whole regiment of Roman soldiers to abuse a prisoner
How does
Jesus answer?... Nothing!
So who
really is guilty here?
