As we approach Easter Sunday, it’s important to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. This reading plan focuses on Jesus’ final days leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. For day 35, we’ll be reading Mark 15.
Mark 15 depicts the trials, suffering, and death of Jesus. After being arrested, Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, where false accusations are made against him (Mark 15:55-61). Jesus remains silent, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7 that the Messiah would be oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.
Jesus is then brought before Pilate, the Roman governor, who questions him (Mark 15:2-5). Seeing no reason to condemn Jesus, Pilate offers to release him according to the Passover custom. But the crowd calls for the release of Barabbas instead and demands that Jesus be crucified (Mark 15:6-15). Pilate acquiesces and hands Jesus over to be flogged and crucified.
The Roman soldiers mock and beat Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head and dressing him in a purple robe (Mark 15:16-20). Jesus endures this humiliation in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that the Savior would be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3). As Jesus is led to Golgotha to be crucified, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry his cross (Mark 15:21).
At the place of crucifixion, Jesus refuses wine mixed with myrrh to ease his suffering (Mark 15:22-23). He is crucified between two criminals, and the soldiers divide his clothes by casting lots (Mark 15:24-28). Jesus endures scorn and ridicule from those passing by even as he suffers on the cross (Mark 15:29-32). Darkness covers the land from noon until 3 pm when Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33-34). Jesus’ words echo the agony prophesied in Psalm 22 of the righteous sufferer who would call out to God for deliverance.
Jesus dies after crying out loudly (Mark 15:37). At that moment, the temple curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place is torn in two, signifying access to God made possible through Christ’s sacrifice (Mark 15:38). A Roman centurion standing by declares, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39). Mark contrasts this confession of faith from a Gentile with the mockery of the Jewish religious leaders (Mark 15:31).
Mark 15 concludes with the burial of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, boldly asks Pilate for Jesus’ body (Mark 15:42-43). Joseph wraps the body in linen and lays it in a tomb cut out of rock (Mark 15:46). The women who had followed Jesus watch as the tomb is sealed with a stone (Mark 15:47).
This chapter reminds us of the enormity of Christ’s sacrifice. Although innocent, Jesus endured betrayal, abandonment, injustice, torture, scorn, and excruciating death on our behalf. As prophesied, the Messiah gave his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus willingness to suffer without retaliation demonstrates God’s love and the power of servanthood. His sacrificial death opened the way for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
As we reflect on Jesus’ passion, let us embrace the Savior who gave everything for us. May we die to self and live wholeheartedly for the One who loved us and gave himself for us (Galatians 2:20).
Other key passages about Christ’s suffering and death:
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – Prophecy of the suffering servant
Matthew 26-27 – Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion
Luke 22-23 – Jesus’ death on the cross
John 18-19 – The arrest and crucifixion of Jesus
Acts 2:22-24 – Peter preaches about Christ’s death
Romans 5:6-11 – Jesus died for sinners
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Christ died for our sins
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 – Jesus’ death and resurrection motivates us
Philippians 2:5-11 – The humility and obedience of Christ
Colossians 1:19-23 – Reconciliation through Christ’s death
Hebrews 9:11-15 – Christ the perfect sacrifice
1 Peter 2:21-25 – Christ’s example of suffering
1 John 4:9-10 – God’s love demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice
As we reflect on Jesus’ suffering and sacrificial death this Easter season, may we be filled with gratitude, draw close to God, surrender our lives fully, and walk in Christ’s footsteps of humility, obedience, and love.
Key points:
- Mark 15 depicts Jesus’ trials and crucifixion in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies about the suffering servant.
- Jesus endured betrayal, false accusation, mocking, beating, crucifixion, and abandonment on our behalf.
- Jesus’ death opened the way for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
- As we reflect on Christ’s passion, we embrace the Savior who gave everything for us.
- Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrates God’s love and the power of servanthood.
In closing, Mark 15 vividly shows the depths of Christ’s suffering and the high cost of our salvation. As we walk with Jesus to the cross this Easter season, may we be filled with awe, gratitude and a renewed commitment to follow our Lord who gave his all for us.