The Trial Before Pilate
Mark 15:1-15 describes Jesus being handed over to Pontius Pilate. Despite finding no fault in Him, Pilate succumbs to the crowd's demands, illustrating the weakness of human justice compared to divine justice.

The Mocking of Jesus
In verses 16-20, Jesus is mocked by the soldiers, clothed in a purple robe, and crowned with thorns. This mockery fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53.

The Crucifixion
Verses 21-32 detail the crucifixion at Golgotha. Jesus is crucified between two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be numbered with the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12).

The Death of Jesus
In verses 33-41, darkness covers the land, and Jesus cries out, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Mark 15:34), signifying the weight of sin He bore.

The Burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea courageously requests Jesus' body and lays it in a tomb (verses 42-47), setting the stage for the resurrection.Stand Firm in Truth
Like Pilate, we may face pressure to conform to the crowd. We must stand firm in truth, even when it is unpopular.

Recognize the Cost of Redemption
Reflect on the immense suffering Jesus endured for our sins and let it deepen your gratitude and commitment to Him.

Embrace Humility
Jesus' willingness to be mocked and humiliated challenges us to embrace humility and serve others selflessly.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the apparent chaos, God's plan was being fulfilled. Trust that God is sovereign over the circumstances in your life.1. Jesus
The central figure of the chapter, Jesus is the one being tried, crucified, and ultimately buried. In the Greek, His name is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

2. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor who presides over the trial of Jesus. Pilate is depicted as a figure who, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, succumbs to the pressure of the crowd. His name in Greek is Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos).

3. Barabbas
A prisoner who was released instead of Jesus. His name in Greek is Βαραββᾶς (Barabbas), which may mean "son of the father" or "son of a teacher."

4. The Chief Priests
Religious leaders who accuse Jesus and stir up the crowd to demand His crucifixion. In Greek, they are referred to as ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis).

5. The Crowd
The group of people present at Jesus' trial who demand His crucifixion and the release of Barabbas. The Greek term used is ὄχλος (ochlos).

6. The Soldiers
Roman soldiers who mock, beat, and ultimately crucify Jesus. They are referred to in Greek as στρατιῶται (stratiōtai).

7. Simon of Cyrene
The man compelled to carry Jesus' cross. His name in Greek is Σίμων (Simōn), and he is identified as coming from Cyrene, a city in North Africa.

8. The Two Robbers
Two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. In Greek, they are called λῃσταί (lēstai), meaning "robbers" or "bandits."

9. The Centurion
A Roman officer who, upon witnessing Jesus' death, declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" His title in Greek is κεντυρίων (kentyriōn).

10. Mary Magdalene
One of the women who witnessed the crucifixion and later the burial of Jesus. Her name in Greek is Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή (Maria hē Magdalēnē).

11. Mary, the mother of James the younger and of Joses
Another woman present at the crucifixion. Her name in Greek is Μαρία (Maria).

12. Salome
A woman who is also present at the crucifixion. Her name in Greek is Σαλώμη (Salōmē).

13. Joseph of Arimathea
A respected member of the Council who requests Jesus' body for burial. His name in Greek is Ἰωσὴφ ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας (Iōsēph apo Harimathaias).1. The Praetorium
Description: The Praetorium is the governor's headquarters where Jesus was taken to be mocked and beaten by the Roman soldiers. In Mark 15:16, it states, "Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together." The term "Praetorium" comes from the Latin "praetorium," referring to the official residence of a Roman governor.

2. Golgotha
Description: Golgotha is the place where Jesus was crucified. Mark 15:22 says, "They brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull." The name "Golgotha" is derived from the Aramaic word "gulgulta," meaning "skull." It is traditionally believed to be a hill outside Jerusalem's walls.

3. Jerusalem
Description: While not explicitly named in Mark 15, Jerusalem is the overarching location where these events occur. The city is the center of Jewish religious life and the site of the Temple. The events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion take place in and around Jerusalem.1. Jesus Before Pilate
Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, and scribes, along with the whole Sanhedrin, bound Jesus and delivered Him to Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus, asking, "Are You the King of the Jews?" to which Jesus responds, "You have said so" (Mark 15:2). The Greek phrase "σὺ λέγεις" (su legeis) is a form of affirmation.

2. Pilate's Dilemma
Pilate is amazed that Jesus does not respond to the many accusations against Him (Mark 15:3-5). The Greek word "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō) indicates Pilate's astonishment at Jesus' silence.

3. The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
During the feast, Pilate offers to release a prisoner, and the crowd chooses Barabbas over Jesus (Mark 15:6-11). The name "Barabbas" in Aramaic means "son of the father," highlighting the irony of the crowd's choice.

4. Jesus is Scourged and Mocked
Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, releases Barabbas and has Jesus scourged and handed over to be crucified (Mark 15:15). The Greek term "φραγελλόω" (phragellóō) refers to the severe Roman flogging.

5. The Soldiers Mock Jesus
The soldiers lead Jesus into the Praetorium, dress Him in a purple robe, and place a crown of thorns on His head, mocking Him as "King of the Jews" (Mark 15:16-20). The Greek "ἐμπαίζω" (empaizō) means to mock or ridicule.

6. The Crucifixion
Jesus is led to Golgotha, meaning "Place of the Skull," and is crucified between two robbers (Mark 15:22-27). The Greek "σταυρόω" (stauroō) means to crucify, indicating the method of execution.

7. The Inscription of the Charge
The inscription of the charge against Him reads, "The King of the Jews" (Mark 15:26). This title, written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, signifies the official reason for His execution.

8. The Mocking at the Cross
Passersby, chief priests, and scribes mock Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself and come down from the cross (Mark 15:29-32). The Greek "καταβαίνω" (katabainō) means to come down, emphasizing their taunt.

9. The Death of Jesus
At the ninth hour, Jesus cries out, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34). This Aramaic phrase reflects Psalm 22:1, expressing deep anguish.

10. The Curtain of the Temple Torn
Upon Jesus' death, the curtain of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). The Greek "σχίζω" (schizō) means to split or tear, symbolizing the new access to God.

11. The Centurion's Declaration
A centurion, witnessing Jesus' death, declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39). The Greek "ἀληθῶς" (alēthōs) means truly or certainly, affirming Jesus' divine identity.

12. The Burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, requests Jesus' body from Pilate and lays it in a tomb (Mark 15:42-47). The Greek "ἐνταφιάζω" (entaphiazō) refers to the act of burial.Isaiah 53
The prophecy of the suffering servant provides a backdrop to the events of Mark 15.

Psalm 22
Jesus' cry from the cross echoes the opening of this psalm, which foretells His suffering.

Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This verse underscores the love demonstrated in Mark 15. Thanksgiving for Salvation
Thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus and the gift of salvation.
Strength to Stand for Truth
Pray for the courage to stand firm in truth, even when faced with opposition.
Humility and Service
Ask God to help you embrace humility and serve others as Christ did.
Trust in God's Plan
Pray for trust in God's sovereignty and His plan for your life, even in difficult times.

As we study Mark 15, let us be reminded of the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and let it transform our hearts and lives.

1. What can we learn from Jesus' silence before Pilate when facing false accusations?

2. Why do you think the crowd chose to release Barabbas instead of Jesus?

3. How does the mockery Jesus endured reflect on human cruelty and prejudice?

4. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus' cross. How do we bear our crosses in life?

5. How might the soldiers' casting lots for Jesus' clothing inform a believer's view on indifference towards suffering?

6. How does Jesus' cry of despair on the cross deepen our understanding of His humanity and suffering?

7. What is the significance of the temple curtain being torn in two at the moment of Jesus' death?

8. How does the centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God demonstrate faith born out of witnessing Jesus' endurance?

9. What can we learn from Joseph of Arimathea's act of respect and bravery?

10. How does Mark's description of Jesus' death contrast with common societal views of power and victory?

11. How might the maltreatment of Jesus inform our understanding and response to injustice and suffering today?

12. How can the compassion and help of Simon of Cyrene guide us in offering help to others?

13. How does the death of Jesus challenge our understanding of sacrifice and love?

14. In what ways do the mocking words of the bystanders at the cross reflect our own doubts and tests of faith?

15. How can the reactions of the women at the crucifixion guide us in responding to personal grief and loss?

16. How does the faith of the centurion challenge our own faith experiences?

17. In what ways can we provide dignity and respect to others like Joseph of Arimathea did for Jesus?

18. How does Mark 15 reshape our understanding of the cost of redemption?

19. What role does courage play in the actions of characters like Simon, the centurion, and Joseph of Arimathea?

20. How might the faith displayed by various characters in Mark 15 inspire us in our personal journey of faith?