Mark 16

Mark 16:1

Delivered to Pilate

The trial, verdict, and abuse of the Accused took place in the night. When the night is over and the first daylight begins to show, and the interrogators have mocked the Lord Jesus enough, the prosecutors and judges deliberate. They themselves do not have the right of execution. They must go with Him to Pilate for the official trial. They need Pilate’s permission to kill Him. His death will then take place in a Roman manner, that is, by crucifixion.

For transport to Pilate, they bind the Lord Jesus. What foolishness to think they can bind the Almighty God. But the Almighty God lets Himself be bound in Christ. What a foolishness to bind Him Who has spread so much blessing, saying: ‘You may not bless again.’ With this, man establishes his own judgment. He who gave Samson the strength to get rid of his ropes (Judges 16:12), willingly allows himself to be bound, led away and delivered to Pilate.

When He stands before Pilate, Pilate interrogates Him. The high priest had asked Him if He was the Christ. That question was important to him as a religious leader. The chief priests know they can’t come to Pilate with that. That’s why they accuse Him before Pilate of proclaiming Himself King and thus a threat to the emperor. This is clear from Pilate’s question.

For him as ruler the question is important whether Jesus is “the King of the Jews”. He asks that question. Like the high priest, the Lord also answers this question because it is a question about His Person. He answers only when it concerns the truth; He does not answer when it concerns the injustice done to Him. His answer is not ‘it is me’, but a more vague “[it is as] you say” by which He binds His answer to Pilate’s conscience. Mark does not describe the statements of the Jews before Pilate. He focuses his gaze entirely on the devoted Servant Who performs His service with complete dedication.

The chief priests do their utmost to shovel as much dirt on Him as possible, so that Pilate must condemn Him. How deeply man has sunk when he tries to gather as much incriminating material as possible against Him Who God has revealed in the flesh and Who has come to save people from eternal judgment. They let themselves be led by nothing but hatred.

Pilate is a totally indifferent man who thinks only of himself and his position. He also knows the reasons for the Jews to have Christ condemned, while he also knows and has even pronounced that Christ is innocent. Yet he has finally condemned Him.

He sees a Prisoner in front of him like he has never had before. Here stands a Man before him Who does not respond to any accusation and does not do anything to defend Himself. He knows the savage scenes and insults between prosecutors and defendants that have taken place before him. This Prisoner is a great exception. The Jews want to present Him as a riot-maker, while He is the perfect Quiet One.

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Pilate marvels at this attitude. Such surrender is totally incomprehensible to the unbeliever and unfortunately for many believers as well. For believers, the Lord Jesus is an example that they should follow (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Mark 16:2

Delivered to Pilate

The trial, verdict, and abuse of the Accused took place in the night. When the night is over and the first daylight begins to show, and the interrogators have mocked the Lord Jesus enough, the prosecutors and judges deliberate. They themselves do not have the right of execution. They must go with Him to Pilate for the official trial. They need Pilate’s permission to kill Him. His death will then take place in a Roman manner, that is, by crucifixion.

For transport to Pilate, they bind the Lord Jesus. What foolishness to think they can bind the Almighty God. But the Almighty God lets Himself be bound in Christ. What a foolishness to bind Him Who has spread so much blessing, saying: ‘You may not bless again.’ With this, man establishes his own judgment. He who gave Samson the strength to get rid of his ropes (Judges 16:12), willingly allows himself to be bound, led away and delivered to Pilate.

When He stands before Pilate, Pilate interrogates Him. The high priest had asked Him if He was the Christ. That question was important to him as a religious leader. The chief priests know they can’t come to Pilate with that. That’s why they accuse Him before Pilate of proclaiming Himself King and thus a threat to the emperor. This is clear from Pilate’s question.

For him as ruler the question is important whether Jesus is “the King of the Jews”. He asks that question. Like the high priest, the Lord also answers this question because it is a question about His Person. He answers only when it concerns the truth; He does not answer when it concerns the injustice done to Him. His answer is not ‘it is me’, but a more vague “[it is as] you say” by which He binds His answer to Pilate’s conscience. Mark does not describe the statements of the Jews before Pilate. He focuses his gaze entirely on the devoted Servant Who performs His service with complete dedication.

The chief priests do their utmost to shovel as much dirt on Him as possible, so that Pilate must condemn Him. How deeply man has sunk when he tries to gather as much incriminating material as possible against Him Who God has revealed in the flesh and Who has come to save people from eternal judgment. They let themselves be led by nothing but hatred.

Pilate is a totally indifferent man who thinks only of himself and his position. He also knows the reasons for the Jews to have Christ condemned, while he also knows and has even pronounced that Christ is innocent. Yet he has finally condemned Him.

He sees a Prisoner in front of him like he has never had before. Here stands a Man before him Who does not respond to any accusation and does not do anything to defend Himself. He knows the savage scenes and insults between prosecutors and defendants that have taken place before him. This Prisoner is a great exception. The Jews want to present Him as a riot-maker, while He is the perfect Quiet One.

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Pilate marvels at this attitude. Such surrender is totally incomprehensible to the unbeliever and unfortunately for many believers as well. For believers, the Lord Jesus is an example that they should follow (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Mark 16:3

Delivered to Pilate

The trial, verdict, and abuse of the Accused took place in the night. When the night is over and the first daylight begins to show, and the interrogators have mocked the Lord Jesus enough, the prosecutors and judges deliberate. They themselves do not have the right of execution. They must go with Him to Pilate for the official trial. They need Pilate’s permission to kill Him. His death will then take place in a Roman manner, that is, by crucifixion.

For transport to Pilate, they bind the Lord Jesus. What foolishness to think they can bind the Almighty God. But the Almighty God lets Himself be bound in Christ. What a foolishness to bind Him Who has spread so much blessing, saying: ‘You may not bless again.’ With this, man establishes his own judgment. He who gave Samson the strength to get rid of his ropes (Judges 16:12), willingly allows himself to be bound, led away and delivered to Pilate.

When He stands before Pilate, Pilate interrogates Him. The high priest had asked Him if He was the Christ. That question was important to him as a religious leader. The chief priests know they can’t come to Pilate with that. That’s why they accuse Him before Pilate of proclaiming Himself King and thus a threat to the emperor. This is clear from Pilate’s question.

For him as ruler the question is important whether Jesus is “the King of the Jews”. He asks that question. Like the high priest, the Lord also answers this question because it is a question about His Person. He answers only when it concerns the truth; He does not answer when it concerns the injustice done to Him. His answer is not ‘it is me’, but a more vague “[it is as] you say” by which He binds His answer to Pilate’s conscience. Mark does not describe the statements of the Jews before Pilate. He focuses his gaze entirely on the devoted Servant Who performs His service with complete dedication.

The chief priests do their utmost to shovel as much dirt on Him as possible, so that Pilate must condemn Him. How deeply man has sunk when he tries to gather as much incriminating material as possible against Him Who God has revealed in the flesh and Who has come to save people from eternal judgment. They let themselves be led by nothing but hatred.

Pilate is a totally indifferent man who thinks only of himself and his position. He also knows the reasons for the Jews to have Christ condemned, while he also knows and has even pronounced that Christ is innocent. Yet he has finally condemned Him.

He sees a Prisoner in front of him like he has never had before. Here stands a Man before him Who does not respond to any accusation and does not do anything to defend Himself. He knows the savage scenes and insults between prosecutors and defendants that have taken place before him. This Prisoner is a great exception. The Jews want to present Him as a riot-maker, while He is the perfect Quiet One.

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Pilate marvels at this attitude. Such surrender is totally incomprehensible to the unbeliever and unfortunately for many believers as well. For believers, the Lord Jesus is an example that they should follow (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Mark 16:4

Delivered to Pilate

The trial, verdict, and abuse of the Accused took place in the night. When the night is over and the first daylight begins to show, and the interrogators have mocked the Lord Jesus enough, the prosecutors and judges deliberate. They themselves do not have the right of execution. They must go with Him to Pilate for the official trial. They need Pilate’s permission to kill Him. His death will then take place in a Roman manner, that is, by crucifixion.

For transport to Pilate, they bind the Lord Jesus. What foolishness to think they can bind the Almighty God. But the Almighty God lets Himself be bound in Christ. What a foolishness to bind Him Who has spread so much blessing, saying: ‘You may not bless again.’ With this, man establishes his own judgment. He who gave Samson the strength to get rid of his ropes (Judges 16:12), willingly allows himself to be bound, led away and delivered to Pilate.

When He stands before Pilate, Pilate interrogates Him. The high priest had asked Him if He was the Christ. That question was important to him as a religious leader. The chief priests know they can’t come to Pilate with that. That’s why they accuse Him before Pilate of proclaiming Himself King and thus a threat to the emperor. This is clear from Pilate’s question.

For him as ruler the question is important whether Jesus is “the King of the Jews”. He asks that question. Like the high priest, the Lord also answers this question because it is a question about His Person. He answers only when it concerns the truth; He does not answer when it concerns the injustice done to Him. His answer is not ‘it is me’, but a more vague “[it is as] you say” by which He binds His answer to Pilate’s conscience. Mark does not describe the statements of the Jews before Pilate. He focuses his gaze entirely on the devoted Servant Who performs His service with complete dedication.

The chief priests do their utmost to shovel as much dirt on Him as possible, so that Pilate must condemn Him. How deeply man has sunk when he tries to gather as much incriminating material as possible against Him Who God has revealed in the flesh and Who has come to save people from eternal judgment. They let themselves be led by nothing but hatred.

Pilate is a totally indifferent man who thinks only of himself and his position. He also knows the reasons for the Jews to have Christ condemned, while he also knows and has even pronounced that Christ is innocent. Yet he has finally condemned Him.

He sees a Prisoner in front of him like he has never had before. Here stands a Man before him Who does not respond to any accusation and does not do anything to defend Himself. He knows the savage scenes and insults between prosecutors and defendants that have taken place before him. This Prisoner is a great exception. The Jews want to present Him as a riot-maker, while He is the perfect Quiet One.

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Pilate marvels at this attitude. Such surrender is totally incomprehensible to the unbeliever and unfortunately for many believers as well. For believers, the Lord Jesus is an example that they should follow (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Mark 16:5

Delivered to Pilate

The trial, verdict, and abuse of the Accused took place in the night. When the night is over and the first daylight begins to show, and the interrogators have mocked the Lord Jesus enough, the prosecutors and judges deliberate. They themselves do not have the right of execution. They must go with Him to Pilate for the official trial. They need Pilate’s permission to kill Him. His death will then take place in a Roman manner, that is, by crucifixion.

For transport to Pilate, they bind the Lord Jesus. What foolishness to think they can bind the Almighty God. But the Almighty God lets Himself be bound in Christ. What a foolishness to bind Him Who has spread so much blessing, saying: ‘You may not bless again.’ With this, man establishes his own judgment. He who gave Samson the strength to get rid of his ropes (Judges 16:12), willingly allows himself to be bound, led away and delivered to Pilate.

When He stands before Pilate, Pilate interrogates Him. The high priest had asked Him if He was the Christ. That question was important to him as a religious leader. The chief priests know they can’t come to Pilate with that. That’s why they accuse Him before Pilate of proclaiming Himself King and thus a threat to the emperor. This is clear from Pilate’s question.

For him as ruler the question is important whether Jesus is “the King of the Jews”. He asks that question. Like the high priest, the Lord also answers this question because it is a question about His Person. He answers only when it concerns the truth; He does not answer when it concerns the injustice done to Him. His answer is not ‘it is me’, but a more vague “[it is as] you say” by which He binds His answer to Pilate’s conscience. Mark does not describe the statements of the Jews before Pilate. He focuses his gaze entirely on the devoted Servant Who performs His service with complete dedication.

The chief priests do their utmost to shovel as much dirt on Him as possible, so that Pilate must condemn Him. How deeply man has sunk when he tries to gather as much incriminating material as possible against Him Who God has revealed in the flesh and Who has come to save people from eternal judgment. They let themselves be led by nothing but hatred.

Pilate is a totally indifferent man who thinks only of himself and his position. He also knows the reasons for the Jews to have Christ condemned, while he also knows and has even pronounced that Christ is innocent. Yet he has finally condemned Him.

He sees a Prisoner in front of him like he has never had before. Here stands a Man before him Who does not respond to any accusation and does not do anything to defend Himself. He knows the savage scenes and insults between prosecutors and defendants that have taken place before him. This Prisoner is a great exception. The Jews want to present Him as a riot-maker, while He is the perfect Quiet One.

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Pilate marvels at this attitude. Such surrender is totally incomprehensible to the unbeliever and unfortunately for many believers as well. For believers, the Lord Jesus is an example that they should follow (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Mark 16:6

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:7

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:8

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:9

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:10

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:11

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:12

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:13

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:14

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:15

Jesus or Barabbas

Pilate seeks a compromise. He wants to please the Jews and yet not condemn an innocent one. By seeking this compromise, he proves his injustice and condemns himself, for he should have released the Innocent without bargaining.

Pilate does, in his opinion, have an acceptable candidate to place next to Jesus. It is Barabbas. Mark describes this man in more detail than the other evangelists. Barabbas means ‘son of the father’. So is the Lord Jesus. But what a world of difference. Barabbas has the devil as his father. This has been proven by his actions.

He is an insurrectionist, like his ‘father’, and a murderer, like that same ‘father’ was from the beginning (John 8:44). At the same time, he is a representative of the people who also rebel against God and are about to kill the Son of God in that insurrection. By placing Barabbas next to Jesus, Pilate lets the people choose between a murderer, someone who takes the life of another, and Someone Who will give His own life and give life to others.

The crowd insists that he will do to them, as he used to do. That gave amusement and discussion. They like it. In this Gospel, the initiative for this comes from the Jews.

Pilate tries to influence the choice of the people by proposing to them to release Christ Whom he calls “the King of the Jews”. God controls things so that the Jews must choose between the murderer and the One Who gives life, between the riot maker and the perfect Servant of God. Today the choice is between the same people and every day the same choice is made massively for Barabbas.

Pilate is aware of the envy of the chief priests of the Lord Jesus. He knows that they hate Him because He does not submit to their authority and because He has great influence on the people. Envy is one of the worst and most common sins among believers. It is the origin of all sins. It is the first sin in creation, both among the angels – the devil – and among men – Adam and Eve.

The chief priests do their pernicious work and stir up the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas. In this Gospel it is especially the priests in whom hatred and enmity against Christ are found. We see how fickle the popular favor is when there is no faith in Christ. Masses of people took advantage of Him when He was among them while blessing them. Now that it seems His blessing role has been played out and they can no longer benefit from Him, they are open to the suggestions of the chief priests. So they call for the release of Barabbas. They choose death instead of life. That is the state of man.

Pilate tries again and now with another question. If they choose Barabbas, what do they want him to do to their King? With all his diplomacy, Pilate is working more and more to help the enemies of the Lord. He thinks he’s clever, but he’s just an instrument of satan. He seeks only his own interests, while trying to keep all parties happy. He is a weak and corrupt man, someone who loves the people’s favor more than the law. A judge who asks the people what should happen to a prisoner for fear of rebellion and, as a result, quarrels with his superiors, is a corrupt and characterless judge.

With his question Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd. In doing so, he loses his grip on the people and on the exercise of justice. With his question he puts the demand in their mouths to crucify Him. That is what they want and nothing else!

Pilate makes a last attempt to bring the people to reason. He asks them what evil He would have done. He wants a reason to condemn Him. But the crowd is frantic. They want to see blood, His blood. Every attempt to release Jesus is answered with an even more determined cry for His death.

Man’s anger and depravity are revealed in all their terrible facets in what is happening here. In expressions of hatred and corruption, the Lord Jesus is spared nothing. This whole spectacle is about Him. The behavior of each person involved is determined by Who He is. He sheds light on every person (John 1:9).

Then Pilate gives in to the will of the people and releases Barabbas for them. The man convicted of murder is allowed to go free. Thus even at this event – the trial against Him – the Lord delivers another at the expense of Himself. Never has He saved Himself, always delivered, blessed, and saved others at the expense of Himself.

All of Pilate’s expressions and every act testify to the inertia of this man who is the representative of the authority of Rome. Here he is concerned only with and for himself and does not concern himself with truth and justice according to God’s standards. Pilate hands over the Lord because it suits him best. He even scourges Him. Even if it is literally done by soldiers, he is responsible, because he gives the order.

Mark 16:16

Mocked

Pilate gives his soldiers a free hand to do whatever they please with the Lord. This helps to take their minds off things. The whole cohort is summoned, all are gathered to have fun with Him.

They mock Him by dressing Him up as a king. They also crown Him, but with a crown of thorns. They make them with their own hands. Without them realizing it, placing this crown of thorns on His head suggests that He is the cause of the curse that came into and over creation through sin. After the Fall, the earth produced thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18).

What a wonderful game! The soldiers are having a great time. And the Lord Jesus allows it, as does His God. The soldiers immerse themselves in their game and mockingly greet Him as “the King of the Jews”. What a shock it will be for them to stand before this King when He sits on His throne.

He has endured every torment that could be inflicted on Him. After the scourging, which He has felt intensely and in which His back has become a bloody mass (Psalms 129:3), they beat the thorns of the crown deep into His head with a reed. The reed with which they beat is not a reed, but a real stick. Again He is spit on, the sign of the deepest contempt. They kneel down in so-called tribute to Him. Every defamation He could experience has been done to Him. For Him, no contempt is too crude. Yet there comes no sighing to God or any word of curse on them over His lips. He endures everything in His soul with His God. This is the way He must go, and which He goes without complaining.

When they are calmed down, they take off His mocking garment and put His own clothes back on. Then they lead Him out to crucify Him. Now comes the way to the cross, the way the Lord leads for all who want to follow Him. He has spoken about this to His disciples. The world has nothing else for us either if we want to follow the Lord. Every day He asks us to take up the cross voluntarily and to follow Him in His rejection (Luke 9:23).

Mark 16:17

Mocked

Pilate gives his soldiers a free hand to do whatever they please with the Lord. This helps to take their minds off things. The whole cohort is summoned, all are gathered to have fun with Him.

They mock Him by dressing Him up as a king. They also crown Him, but with a crown of thorns. They make them with their own hands. Without them realizing it, placing this crown of thorns on His head suggests that He is the cause of the curse that came into and over creation through sin. After the Fall, the earth produced thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18).

What a wonderful game! The soldiers are having a great time. And the Lord Jesus allows it, as does His God. The soldiers immerse themselves in their game and mockingly greet Him as “the King of the Jews”. What a shock it will be for them to stand before this King when He sits on His throne.

He has endured every torment that could be inflicted on Him. After the scourging, which He has felt intensely and in which His back has become a bloody mass (Psalms 129:3), they beat the thorns of the crown deep into His head with a reed. The reed with which they beat is not a reed, but a real stick. Again He is spit on, the sign of the deepest contempt. They kneel down in so-called tribute to Him. Every defamation He could experience has been done to Him. For Him, no contempt is too crude. Yet there comes no sighing to God or any word of curse on them over His lips. He endures everything in His soul with His God. This is the way He must go, and which He goes without complaining.

When they are calmed down, they take off His mocking garment and put His own clothes back on. Then they lead Him out to crucify Him. Now comes the way to the cross, the way the Lord leads for all who want to follow Him. He has spoken about this to His disciples. The world has nothing else for us either if we want to follow the Lord. Every day He asks us to take up the cross voluntarily and to follow Him in His rejection (Luke 9:23).

Mark 16:18

Mocked

Pilate gives his soldiers a free hand to do whatever they please with the Lord. This helps to take their minds off things. The whole cohort is summoned, all are gathered to have fun with Him.

They mock Him by dressing Him up as a king. They also crown Him, but with a crown of thorns. They make them with their own hands. Without them realizing it, placing this crown of thorns on His head suggests that He is the cause of the curse that came into and over creation through sin. After the Fall, the earth produced thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18).

What a wonderful game! The soldiers are having a great time. And the Lord Jesus allows it, as does His God. The soldiers immerse themselves in their game and mockingly greet Him as “the King of the Jews”. What a shock it will be for them to stand before this King when He sits on His throne.

He has endured every torment that could be inflicted on Him. After the scourging, which He has felt intensely and in which His back has become a bloody mass (Psalms 129:3), they beat the thorns of the crown deep into His head with a reed. The reed with which they beat is not a reed, but a real stick. Again He is spit on, the sign of the deepest contempt. They kneel down in so-called tribute to Him. Every defamation He could experience has been done to Him. For Him, no contempt is too crude. Yet there comes no sighing to God or any word of curse on them over His lips. He endures everything in His soul with His God. This is the way He must go, and which He goes without complaining.

When they are calmed down, they take off His mocking garment and put His own clothes back on. Then they lead Him out to crucify Him. Now comes the way to the cross, the way the Lord leads for all who want to follow Him. He has spoken about this to His disciples. The world has nothing else for us either if we want to follow the Lord. Every day He asks us to take up the cross voluntarily and to follow Him in His rejection (Luke 9:23).

Mark 16:19

Mocked

Pilate gives his soldiers a free hand to do whatever they please with the Lord. This helps to take their minds off things. The whole cohort is summoned, all are gathered to have fun with Him.

They mock Him by dressing Him up as a king. They also crown Him, but with a crown of thorns. They make them with their own hands. Without them realizing it, placing this crown of thorns on His head suggests that He is the cause of the curse that came into and over creation through sin. After the Fall, the earth produced thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18).

What a wonderful game! The soldiers are having a great time. And the Lord Jesus allows it, as does His God. The soldiers immerse themselves in their game and mockingly greet Him as “the King of the Jews”. What a shock it will be for them to stand before this King when He sits on His throne.

He has endured every torment that could be inflicted on Him. After the scourging, which He has felt intensely and in which His back has become a bloody mass (Psalms 129:3), they beat the thorns of the crown deep into His head with a reed. The reed with which they beat is not a reed, but a real stick. Again He is spit on, the sign of the deepest contempt. They kneel down in so-called tribute to Him. Every defamation He could experience has been done to Him. For Him, no contempt is too crude. Yet there comes no sighing to God or any word of curse on them over His lips. He endures everything in His soul with His God. This is the way He must go, and which He goes without complaining.

When they are calmed down, they take off His mocking garment and put His own clothes back on. Then they lead Him out to crucify Him. Now comes the way to the cross, the way the Lord leads for all who want to follow Him. He has spoken about this to His disciples. The world has nothing else for us either if we want to follow the Lord. Every day He asks us to take up the cross voluntarily and to follow Him in His rejection (Luke 9:23).

Mark 16:20

Mocked

Pilate gives his soldiers a free hand to do whatever they please with the Lord. This helps to take their minds off things. The whole cohort is summoned, all are gathered to have fun with Him.

They mock Him by dressing Him up as a king. They also crown Him, but with a crown of thorns. They make them with their own hands. Without them realizing it, placing this crown of thorns on His head suggests that He is the cause of the curse that came into and over creation through sin. After the Fall, the earth produced thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18).

What a wonderful game! The soldiers are having a great time. And the Lord Jesus allows it, as does His God. The soldiers immerse themselves in their game and mockingly greet Him as “the King of the Jews”. What a shock it will be for them to stand before this King when He sits on His throne.

He has endured every torment that could be inflicted on Him. After the scourging, which He has felt intensely and in which His back has become a bloody mass (Psalms 129:3), they beat the thorns of the crown deep into His head with a reed. The reed with which they beat is not a reed, but a real stick. Again He is spit on, the sign of the deepest contempt. They kneel down in so-called tribute to Him. Every defamation He could experience has been done to Him. For Him, no contempt is too crude. Yet there comes no sighing to God or any word of curse on them over His lips. He endures everything in His soul with His God. This is the way He must go, and which He goes without complaining.

When they are calmed down, they take off His mocking garment and put His own clothes back on. Then they lead Him out to crucify Him. Now comes the way to the cross, the way the Lord leads for all who want to follow Him. He has spoken about this to His disciples. The world has nothing else for us either if we want to follow the Lord. Every day He asks us to take up the cross voluntarily and to follow Him in His rejection (Luke 9:23).