Mark 15:1-15

 (1) Main people groups:

a. Chief priests tied Jesus up, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate v.1, the chief priests accused Jesus repeatedly in front of Pilate v.3, they pressed many charges against Jesus v.4, the chief priests handed Jesus over because of envy v.10, they stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead of Jesus v.11

b. Pilate asked Jesus just 1 question, "Are you the king of the Jews" v.2, he was amazed by Jesus' silence as if He did not know how dangerous He was in v.4-5. Therefore, Pilate tried to persuade the crowd and used the custom to release one prisoner during the feast to release Jesus v.6-9. When the plan did not succeed he did not give in right the way, he asked the crowd why they wanted to crucify Jesus. However, at the end, even without the satisfying answer Pilate gave in and please the crowd v..15. 

(2) The unfairness

During the trial, Pilate did not give the verdict of Jesus. Therefore, Jesus' crucifixion is not because of His crime. 

The envy of the chief priests was so obvious to Pilate that he wanted to let Jesus go. He planned to use the crowd/custom to release a prisoner to let Jesus go. However, when the envious chief priests manipulated the crowd Pilate did not hold his position any more. In other words, Jesus' crucifixion was the result of the failure of the governor and the envy of the religious leaders. 

(3) How did Jesus face unfairness

15:2 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He replied, “You say so.”
15:5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

v,15b Then, after he had Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.

Reflection: Facing injustice Jesus did not speak for Himself. It did not mean that He did not struggle. He did when He was praying in the garden of Gethsemane. He was silent just because He knew why He would die-for us. Thank God for how much Jesus loves us. 

If it means a better result for others, are we willing to take unfairness or injustice?  Are we willing to take unfairness or injustice for God? 

Audrey