August 16, 2026
Jesus before Pilate #
Mark 15:1
Introduction
We are up to the day of the crucifixion of Jesus. He has spent most of the night in trial before the religious leaders, and was beaten, mocked, and kept in holding cell until the morning. The Jews lived under Roman rule.
That would be like the Amish are a society, culture, and religion, but they are under the rule of the US Government, and specifically under the rule of Ohio in our state.
Therefore it was necessary to bring him to the Roman Government for execution.
I. Silence of Jesus (Mark 15:2-5) #
A. Plea #
- “King of the Jews” (Mark 15:2)
- The jewish religious leaders knew Roman law, and had to bring accusations for death
B. Prophesied #
i. About 600 years earlier was written #
Isaiah 53:6–7 —6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
C. Perfect (sinless) #
1 Peter 2:21–24 —21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
- If Jesus had spoken, he would have easily been able to defend himself, and not die.
D. Purpose – to die #
i. Jesus came with the purpose to giving his life as a ransom for many #
Mark 10:45 — For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
- Die in our place, take our sin upon himself!
II. Suggested release of Jesus (Mark 15:6-14) #
A. Feast of the Pasover #
i. Significance #
- This was originally made in Egypt, when they were to take a lamb, perfect lamb, male lamb, live with it in their house for a short time, then offer it as a sacrifice… all a perfect picture and illustration of Jesus sacrificial death.
ii. High Sabbath #
- The Passover is connected with a date, and sometimes that date falls on different days of the week. The day it falls, is considered a ‘high sabbath’ – a day in which no work is to be done.
- In the case of Jesus Crucifixion, we reject a Friday crucifixion, because you cannot get 3 days and nights… that only happens by a Wednesday-Thursday death. Which can be explained easily, if the Passover fell on Friday.
B. Releasing of a prisoner (Mark 15:6) #
- Pilate was a corrupt Roman politician… and looked for a chance to release Jesus
i. Opportunity #
- Passover
ii. Barabbas #
- He was a protestor, that murdered someone!
iii. Pilate suggests Jesus (Mark 15:9-10, 14) #
- Pilate knew Jesus was innocent.
III. Sentence (15) #
A. Allows a protestor murder to walk #
- This is a great injustice!
i. Jesus gave life, and Barabas took life #
ii. Jesus preached truth, Barabas rallied angry mobs! #
B. Pilate releases Jesus to be crucified #
i. Scourged – beaten… again, whipped… it was a vicious beating #
IV. Steps of a compromiser #
A. Conscientious of truth #
- Pilate knew the truth
Mark 15:10 —10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
i. Ignorant people cannot compromise #
- They do not know the truth… and therefore cannot compromise truth
ii. You are in church, you know the truth #
- You have the Bible, you have the Spirit of God that dwells in you!
B. Concern for pleasing people #
- Mark 15:15 “And so Pilate, willing to content the people” – weak coward
Matthew 6:24 — No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.