2018.06.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 15:1-15

Read Mark 15:1-15

Questions for Littles: To whom did they take Jesus in v1? What does Pilate ask Him in v2? What does Jesus answer, in v3, to all the accusations of the chief priests? Now what does Pilate ask in v4? And what does Jesus answer in v5? What effect does this have upon Pilate? What custom did Pilate have at the feast (v6)? What had Barabbas done (v7)? When the people begin crying out for a prisoner release in v8, what does Pilate ask them in v9? Why? What did he know about the chief priests’ real reason for handing Jesus over (v10)? Who stirred up the crowd In v11? Whom did they get the people to ask for? What question does Pilate ask in v12? And what do the people answer (v13)? What new question does Pilate ask in v14? What is the response? What did Pilate want to do (v15)? So, what did he end up doing? 

In the Gospel reading this week, Pilate helps us to ask all the right questions.

Is Jesus the King of the Jews? Jesus answers this question. He is, in fact, the promised forever-King from the line of David. Against the backdrop of that truth, we see just how ugly is this treason and blasphemy.

Does Jesus answer nothing? He is not trying to escape the cross. For this reason He came into the world. He is saving us from our sins!

Do we want our King? What a good question. Obviously, Jesus was very popular with the crowds, or else v10 wouldn’t make any sense. So there is a sad reminder here how easily we can break our allegiance to Christ out of a desire to please others, or when they place pressure upon us.

What was done to Christ? They crucified Him like a murdering terrorist, and they let the murdering terrorist go free instead.

What evil has He done? None at all! He is the spotless Lamb of God, who goes to His death only to pay the penalty for the sins of all who would ever believe upon Him.

So, allow me to take a page out of Pilate’s book and ask you a question: what will you do with Jesus? This is a King who demands a response. Will you yield yourself up to Him? Will you entrust yourself unto Him? Will you commit yourself to serving Him?

How do you go about reminding yourself of the cross and responding to it in your daily life? What physical or mental habits could improve your practice?

Suggested songs: ARP22A “My God, My God” or HB199 “Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed”