The Pilgrim Path---Mark 15: 6 – 15 (4—5—23)

Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

“WISHING TO SATISFY THE CROWD”

Pilate, the Roman Procurator, is expected to control the mammoth crowds in Jerusalem at Passover---and now--- to placate the personal hatred of Israel’s religious elite. Jesus of Nazareth “must” be put to death---even if it means a murderer goes free (Barabbas). Pilate had thought he might arouse a sliver of sympathy from the crowd---but he underestimated the power of animosity. The chief priests had been humiliated by Jesus’ heart- searching application of God’s Law---far too many times. Unwilling to repent, they could only ruin The One--- they saw as their foe. All Pilate could do, was give the crowd what they wanted---this Jesus---to crucify! Pilate just wanted to be somebody. The only reason the Followers of Jesus remember him---is because of the providence of God, and Pilate’s brief contact with the Savior of the World. Pilate ceremonially tried to wash “his hands” of Christ---but no soul can be free of HIM. You either side with HIM---or lose your eternal soul.

The prophetic power of Genesis 3:15, Psalm 22, and Isaiah 53--- truly being depicted before our eyes in the Gospel accounts. No one is forcing the “actors” to perform their part in the Passion of the Christ. Jesus goes willingly to The Cross for HIS Own. The LORD is Chief---the Cornerstone of Human History, yet all people are absolutely responsible for their actions before HIM. Will You yield to HIM and serve HIM all your days?

From John Duncan: We were not lovers, because we were haters. But love could overcome that.

Grace & Peace in Jesus, The Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason