13. JESUS’ TRIAL (Mark 15:1-15)
Background: This text can be dealt with in pairs, too. Hand out each pair pencils and paper in order to make notes. Every participant should, however, have a Bible of his / her own. Each pair chooses one or two people, and in the end everybody shares his / her observations with the others. Jesus can be dealt with together to finish with.
1. PONTIUS PILATE
was the Roman governor in Judea in 26-36 AD. The Romans had occupied Judea, and its inhabitants were then subordinate to them. Pontius Pilate was the supreme representative of the occupying Roman Empire and responsible for his actions to Caesar Tiberius. Pilate did not, on any account, want that the Caesar would hear about Jewish revolutionary undertakings (they regarded Jesus as an agitator for rebellion or in other words as a dangerous criminal). The passing on or rejection of a death sentence was solely in the hands of the Governor.
Verses 1-15
What kind of impression does this text give of Pilate?
What would you think about a judge who would under trial ask the questions mentioned in verses 12 and 14?
Why didn’t Pilate execute the power which he had, but let others decide for him?
What do you think Pilate thought about Jesus deep in his heart?
Who decided on the outcome of Jesus’ trial?
How did Pilate possibly try to defend himself when delivering a wrong sentence?
If you had been in Pilate’s position that morning what would you have done?
2. BARABBAS
was the leader of a political uprising and a murderer. His name means simply ”father’s son”.
Verses 6-15
Discuss together what Barabbas’ childhood and youth had been like. What might have made this man into an offender and a murderer?
What kind of thoughts might Barabbas have had while waiting for the execution of his death sentence? (Did he regret something?)
Do you think that Barabbas went to see the death of the man who was crucified as if in place of him?
Even though we had not literary killed anyone, what in the eyes of Jesus makes us resemble Barabbas?
3. CHIEF PRIESTS
were usually one in number at a time, but in this case there were two of them: Caiaphas, the actual chief priest in 18-35 AD, and his father-in-law Annas, who had held this office in 6-15 and who still executed his power through his son-in-law Caiaphas.
Verses 1-15
What do you think what the chief priests considered their aim in life?
Why did the chief priests envy Jesus?
Why didn’t they understand that they were only envious?
Which party do you think was more condemnable: the chief priests with their wrong sentence to Jesus or Barabbas with the murder committed during the uprising?
Do you always want to behave righteously in the eyes of your friends or do you notice that you sometimes take the wrong path? Consider if you may resemble the chief priests in some matters?
THE CROWD
had shouted hosanna to Jesus on the previous Sunday. Now they shouted ”Crucify him!” It is certain that this crowd contained many people who had personally been helped by Jesus.
Verses 8-15
Why did the crowd want to release this dangerous murderer?
How is it possible that people could be incited to rise against their benefactor? (Why didn’t anyone in this situation raise his voice in favour of Jesus and against the wrong sentence?)
What would you have done if you had been among the crowd that morning?
Could this happen in our country today? Give reasons for your answer.
5. JESUS
utters only one short sentence during the whole process (2). Otherwise he keeps silent.
Verses 1-15
This far Jesus has refused to be called by any other name than Son of Man. How come he in this situation admits that he is the king of the Jews (2)?
Why doesn’t Jesus defend himself?
Compare Jesus with all the other people in this text. What differences can you find between them? (What makes Jesus such an admirable person in this particular situation?)
What do you think that Jesus thought about the people around him?
Who finally decided the case in Jesus’ trial: Pilate, God or Satan? Why?
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