Mark Chapter 15: The Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
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Mark chapter 15 narrates the climactic events of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, death, and burial, presenting the culmination of His earthly mission to atone for humanity’s sins. This chapter underscores Jesus’ identity as the suffering Servant and King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and setting the stage for the resurrection in Mark 16. Using the English Standard Version (ESV) for references, this exposition includes cross-references to other Scriptures to illuminate the chapter’s theological depth and significance.
1. Jesus Before Pilate (Mark 15:1–15)
The chapter opens with Jesus delivered to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, by the Jewish council: “As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate” (Mark 15:1). This follows Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:53–65), where He was condemned for blasphemy (cf. John 18:28–32). The Jews, lacking authority to execute, seek Roman approval for Jesus’ death.
Pilate questions Jesus: “Are you the King of the Jews?” to which Jesus replies, “You have said so” (Mark 15:2). Jesus’ ambiguous response affirms His kingship while avoiding political rebellion (cf. John 18:33–37). Despite further accusations, “Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed” (Mark 15:5), fulfilling the silent suffering Servant of Isaiah 53:7. Pilate, sensing Jesus’ innocence, offers to release Him or Barabbas, a known insurrectionist, during the Passover custom (Mark 15:6–11; cf. Matthew 27:15–17). Swayed by the crowd, incited by the chief priests, Pilate releases Barabbas and sentences Jesus to crucifixion (Mark 15:12–15; cf. Acts 3:13–14). This exchange highlights humanity’s rejection of the true King for a criminal, symbolizing the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ death (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21).
2. Jesus Mocked by the Soldiers (Mark 15:16–20)
Roman soldiers lead Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, where they mock Him: “They clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” (Mark 15:17–18). The purple robe and thorn crown parody royalty, yet ironically affirm Jesus’ kingship (cf. John 19:2–3). Their abuse—striking, spitting, and mocking—fulfills Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 50:6; Psalm 22:7–8). After the mockery, “they led him out to crucify him” (Mark 15:20), setting the stage for His sacrificial death.
3. The Crucifixion (Mark 15:21–32)
On the way to Golgotha, Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21), likely due to Jesus’ physical exhaustion from scourging (cf. Matthew 27:32). Mark notes Simon’s sons, Alexander and Rufus, suggesting their prominence in the early church (cf. Romans 16:13). At Golgotha, “they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them” (Mark 15:24), fulfilling Psalm 22:18. Jesus refuses wine mixed with myrrh, a pain-numbing drink, embracing the full suffering of the cross (Mark 15:23; cf. Psalm 69:21).
Crucified at “the third hour” (9 a.m., Mark 15:25), Jesus is mocked by passersby, priests, and those crucified with Him, who taunt, “He saved others; he cannot save himself” (Mark 15:31). This irony underscores Jesus’ purpose: He does not save Himself to save others (cf. John 12:27; 1 Peter 2:24). The inscription “The King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26) declares His true identity, despite its mocking intent (cf. John 19:19–22).
4. Jesus’ Death (Mark 15:33–39)
From “the sixth hour” (noon) to “the ninth hour” (3 p.m.), “darkness came over the whole land” (Mark 15:33), signaling divine judgment and the cosmic significance of Jesus’ death (cf. Amos 8:9). Jesus cries out, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34; cf. Psalm 22:1). This expresses the agony of bearing humanity’s sin, experiencing separation from the Father (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13). Bystanders misunderstand, thinking He calls for Elijah (Mark 15:35–36; cf. Malachi 4:5).
After receiving sour wine, Jesus “uttered a loud cry and breathed his last” (Mark 15:37). At that moment, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (Mark 15:38), symbolizing access to God’s presence through Jesus’ sacrifice (cf. Hebrews 10:19–20). A Roman centurion, witnessing these events, declares, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39). This Gentile’s confession, echoing Mark 1:1, affirms Jesus’ divine identity and foreshadows the gospel’s reach to all nations (cf. Romans 10:9–13).
5. The Burial of Jesus (Mark 15:40–47)
Women who followed Jesus, including “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome” (Mark 15:40), witness the crucifixion from a distance, highlighting their faithfulness (cf. John 19:25). Joseph of Arimathea, a respected council member and secret disciple, boldly requests Jesus’ body from Pilate (Mark 15:43; cf. John 19:38). Pilate, confirming Jesus’ death, grants the body (Mark 15:44–45). Joseph wraps Jesus in a linen shroud and lays Him in a tomb, with a stone rolled across the entrance (Mark 15:46). The women observe, setting the stage for their discovery of the empty tomb (Mark 16:1–8; cf. Luke 23:55–56).
Theological Themes and Application
Mark 15 portrays Jesus as the suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:3–12) and King who reigns through sacrifice. His silence before Pilate, endurance of mockery, and cry of forsakenness reveal the depth of His atonement, bearing sin’s penalty for humanity. The torn curtain signifies reconciliation with God, while the centurion’s confession points to the universal scope of salvation. The burial confirms Jesus’ real death, preparing for the resurrection’s triumph.
For believers, Mark 15 invites awe at Jesus’ sacrifice and gratitude for the access to God it provides. It challenges readers to embrace the cost of discipleship, as seen in Simon’s cross-bearing and the women’s faithfulness. The centurion’s faith models the response Jesus seeks: recognition of His divine sonship.
Textual Considerations
Mark 15 is consistent across manuscripts, with no major textual disputes. Its vivid, concise style aligns with Mark’s emphasis on action and fulfillment of prophecy. Cross-references to Psalms, Isaiah, and other Gospels reinforce its theological coherence.