In these chapters, Mark presents the pivotal events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, underscoring the central message of the Christian faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus for the redemption of humanity. These chapters encapsulate the heart of the Christian gospel and the hope it offers to believers.
Mark Chapter 15:
Trial, Crucifixion, and Burial
Chapter 15 of the Gospel of Mark details the culmination of Jesus' earthly
ministry, His crucifixion, and His burial.
Jesus Before Pilate: After Jesus'
arrest, He is brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Pilate
questions Jesus but finds no reason to charge Him. However, to appease the
crowd and religious leaders, Pilate agrees to release a prisoner during the
Passover feast and offers them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious
criminal. The crowd demands the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of
Jesus.
Scourging and Mockery: Jesus is
brutally scourged, mocked, and crowned with thorns by the Roman soldiers. They
ridicule Him, dress Him in a purple robe, and repeatedly strike Him.
The Crucifixion: Jesus is led to
Golgotha (the Place of the Skull) and crucified between two criminals. Darkness
covers the land from noon to 3 PM. As Jesus hangs on the cross, bystanders
taunt Him, challenging Him to save Himself. He dies with a loud cry, and the
temple curtain is torn in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between
God and humanity.
The Burial: Joseph of Arimathea,
a secret disciple of Jesus, obtains permission from Pilate to take Jesus' body
down from the cross and place it in a tomb. He wraps the body in a linen cloth
and seals the tomb with a large stone.
Mark Chapter 16:
Resurrection and Great Commission
Chapter 16 of the Gospel of Mark narrates the resurrection of Jesus and His
subsequent appearances.
The Empty Tomb: Early on the
first day of the week (Sunday), several women, including Mary Magdalene, Mary
the mother of James, and Salome, go to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with
spices. To their astonishment, they find the stone rolled away and an angel
inside the tomb who announces that Jesus has risen from the dead.
The Commission to Preach: The
angel instructs the women to tell the disciples, particularly Peter, that Jesus
will meet them in Galilee. Overwhelmed with fear and amazement, the women flee
and initially say nothing to anyone.
Appearances of Jesus: Later,
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, who delivers the angel's message to the
disciples. He also appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, revealing
His identity during a meal. Finally, Jesus commissions His disciples to preach
the Gospel to all creation, promising that those who believe and are baptized
will be saved.
Mark's Gospel concludes with the disciples spreading the message,
accompanied by signs and wonders. While some manuscripts end abruptly at verse
8 with the women's fear and silence, others include additional verses
describing Jesus' appearances and the disciples' response to His commission.