171. To Satisfy the Crowd – Mark 15:15
Mark Devotional #171 – Pilate has just asked the crowd what he should do with Jesus. And they have called for him to be crucified. So now, Pilate makes the fatal decision. “Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified”. – Mark 15:15
172. The Crown of Thorns – Mark 15:16-17
Mark Devotional #172 – Now that Jesus has been sentenced to death, he is now handed over to the Roman garrison. But first, they have a little game they want to play. The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. – Mark 15:16-17
173. They Mocked Him – Mark 15:18-20
Mark Devotional #173 – The Roman garrison is staging a mock coronation ceremony for Jesus because they have heard him called the “king of the Jews.” They placed a purple robe on him and pressed a crown of thorns onto his head. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. – Mark 15:18-20
174. They Led Him Out – Mark 15:20
Mark Devotional #174 – After Jesus had been savagely beaten and brutalised in the early hours of the morning, now it was time for the main event. Then they led him out to crucify him. – Mark 15:20
175. Simon of Cyrene – Mark 15:21
Mark Devotional #175 – Jesus is being led through the streets of Jerusalem to the place of execution. After having been savagely beaten, he is staggering under the weight of the cross. Now we are going to meet one of the really interesting characters in the gospel of Mark. His name is a common one, yet his role in history is anything but common. A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. – Mark 15:21
176. The Place of the Skull – Mark 15:22
Mark Devotional #176 – Throughout the Roman Empire, every city had its execution site, including Jerusalem, where it was known as Golgotha. In ancient times, death was kept away from city centers, as seen in the placement of tombs outside city walls. Similarly, execution sites were located beyond these walls, serving as gruesome propaganda tools for the Roman Empire to deter defiance. Crucifixion victims endured excruciating deaths near city entrances, with their suffering audible and their bodies left to scavengers. Golgotha, aptly named the “Place of the Skull,” bore witness to such horrors. Jesus’ crucifixion at this site is a reminder to reflect deeply on his message of salvation, especially in the face of unyielding skepticism.
177. Wine Mixed with Myrrh – Mark 15:23
Mark Devotional #177 – The Jews had a tradition of offering those about to be executed a strong narcotic made with wine mixed with frankincense and myrrh in order to ease the pain. It was probably the women who had followed him to the place of execution who offered Jesus this kindness. Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. – Mark 15:23
178. They Crucified Him – Mark 15:24
Mark Devotional #178 – Jesus has been taken to the place of execution. Now he is to be crucified. Unlike what we might expect, his crucifixion isn’t described in graphic, harrowing detail. Instead, it’s described in a few simple, stark words. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. – Mark 15:24
179. The King of the Jews – Mark 15:25-26
Mark Devotional #179 – Men who were being led to be crucified carried a placard which announced their crimes, often around their neck. When Jesus was crucified, this placard was then placed on the cross, above his head, for all to see. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. – Mark 15:25-26
180. Between Two Rebels – Mark 15:27
Mark Devotional #180 – The Romans were efficient in their executions, often crucifying multiple individuals at once, as they did with Jesus and two others. These men are traditionally called “thieves,” but they were likely closer to being “terrorists” in the context of religious and political extremism in Judaea, reminiscent of some issues in our world today. This situation challenges us to understand the essence of the Gospel beyond labelling the condemned men as “good” or “close to the line.” The core question is: What is the Gospel?
