Mark 15 -16

Death, Burial, Resurrection

NOTE: Today's reading completes the second book of the New Testament and completes 10 weeks of reading.

All four Gospels record the events (albeit with different details) of Jesus' trial, death, burial, and resurrection. Mark records very little about the discussion between Pilate and Jesus (and does not record at all Jesus' appearance before Herod). In 15:5, the lack of response by Jesus to his accusers - the Jewish high council - impresses Pilate.

Pilate was a man who had presided over the trials of many men. His experiences provided the knowledge and insight to know when an innocent man was being accused falsely. Jesus answered Pilate when he asked, "Are you the king of the Jews?" (v. 2) with a curious answer, "You have said it."  Jesus was basically acknowledging the veracity of Pilate's statement.  Yet, when all the high council railed against Him, Jesus was silent - i.e. He did not dignify their lies with a response (vs. 3-5) "much to Pilate's surprise."

Pilate makes a final offer to the religious leaders, offering to release Jesus (v.9).  He knew Jesus was not guilty of what they charged, and Pilate (though incorrect) did not perceive Jesus as a threat to his power.  Verse 10 explains Pilate's offer, "For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus our of envy."  The tragedy of Pilate is that he did not take a moral stand for right - he remained indifferent to Jesus' plight and allowed him to be tortured and crucified.

While Jesus was carrying the cross to the place of crucifixion, an interesting event is recorded.  Simon, a Cyrenean (a country in north Africa), is pressed into service to carry the cross for Jesus.  Jesus had been beaten so badly that He could no longer carry His own cross.  In verse 21 the following is written, "Simon was the father of Rufus and Alexander."  This seems odd and out of place. Why would Mark record what appears to be an insignificant fact? Matthew, Luke, and John do not mention this information.  I think it reflects the personal nature of this Gospel and was included because the readers of Mark knew these men-Rufus and Alexander and thus adds strength to the testimony.

In chapter 16, the behavior of the disciples continues to demonstrate their lack of faith. After Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (v. 9) she tells the disciples (v.10) but (v.11) "they didn't believe her."  Then, in verse 12, He speaks and appears to two of His followers. But in verse 13, "They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them."  In verse 14, Jesus appears to all eleven of the disciples and "rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead."

This display of unbelief is still common today, not only among sinners and the un-churched but also among "believers."  When told of the saving power of Jesus Christ, sinners scoff - demanding proof.  The same is true among even some church members. If someone testifies of a miracle or healing, they are ridiculed as uneducated or as excited or making it up.  Lord help us to believe your Word and see your Spirit move among us.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.