Foundations: New Testament - MarkSample

Jesus’ trial began in Mark 14 in front of the Sanhedrin and the Jewish religious authorities, including Caiaphas, the high priest. Caiaphas accused Jesus of blasphemy and in chapter 15 sent Him to the Roman authorities, who had the power to have Him crucified. Jesus stood trial before Pilate, the Roman governor. For Pilate, the greater issue than blasphemy against God was Jesus’ claim to be the King of the Jews, an assertion that encroached on Pilate’s authority and sense of power. At the urging of the crowd, Pilate released a different prisoner, the murderer Barabbas, and sentenced Jesus to be crucified. In a sense every one of us is Barabbas. We were sentenced to death because of our sin, but Jesus took our place and died the death we deserved, even though He had never sinned. 

As Mark described the crucifixion, he paid special attention to individual people involved in or present for this event, including Simon, who carried Jesus’ cross; the soldiers who cast lots for his clothes; people who walked by the cross and insulted Jesus; and Jesus’ friends who were present for His death. Each face represented a person for whom Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, whether or not they loved Him. 

Mark also highlighted some of the most significant events that accompanied Jesus’ crucifixion, including two miraculous ones: the darkness that overtook the land and the tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom, symbolizing the union between God and humanity made possible through Jesus’ death. To confirm that Jesus actually died, Mark included a description of Jesus’ burial. The Son of God had accomplished His mission by giving up His life as the payment for our sin.