June 28, 2010
Barabbas? Really?
Mark 15:1-20
Whitney Rudesill
Central Truth
Even though we know we all are sinners in need of mercy and grace, we should still strive to glorify God through our actions.
Key Verse | Mark 15:15
Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. (Mark 15:15)
Mark 15:1-20
Jesus Delivered to Pilate
1 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged 1 15:15 A Roman judicial penalty, consisting of a severe beating with a multi-lashed whip containing embedded pieces of bone and metal Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Jesus Is Mocked
16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), 2 15:16 Greek the praetorium and they called together the whole battalion. 3 15:16 Greek cohort; a tenth of a Roman legion, usually about 600 men 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
Dive Deeper | Mark 15:1-20
For years, whenever I heard or read this passage, my first thought was always, "No way! How could those people choose Barabbas over Jesus? How could Pilate stand back and let this happen? Where are the people who, not too long before, were shouting, 'Hosanna' as Jesus rode by on His way into Jerusalem (Mark 11)? How dare they let this happen?!"
And then, as I got older, I noticed the plank in my own eye (Matthew 7:1-5). There are so many examples of sin in my own life. I believe I am in control and that I know what is best. I choose to worry. I struggle with being content instead of waiting patiently on the Lord. DAILY, I choose Barabbas instead of the clear answer, Jesus—the One who I know died for me and loves me. The One who obviously knows what is best for me. Why am I continually choosing to sin instead of acting in a way that glorifies God?
Another struggle of mine is being like Pilate. Growing up in church, I learned all of the right things to say and all of the rights things to do. Often times, we master the art of appearance, but when it comes down to it, we succumb to the pressure of worldly desire. Verse 15 clearly says, "Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them." Wishing to satisfy the crowd. How many times do we keep quiet because we do not want to ruffle any feathers or because we worry we won't fit in? Pilate knew Jesus had done nothing wrong, yet he stood back when he should have stood up. It's not easy to do the right thing if your heart is in the wrong place.
We are saved by grace through faith, but we can't forget about our actions (James 2:17). When others see how we act, it should bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16). Let's daily choose Jesus over the sin in our lives. Let's stand up for truth and bring glory to His name!
Discussion Questions
1. Who do you most closely relate to in this passage?
2. What is the "Barabbas" in your life?
3. When others see how you act, does it bring glory to God?
4. What is your game plan when your actions are not Christ honoring (for example: admitting sin to community)?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What was Jesus’ response to the accusations against Him in verses 3-5?
2. Why do you think Jesus did not defend Himself?
3. Even though what the priests were saying wasn’t true, Jesus knew He had to die. Why was Jesus willing to die for you?
4. Have you admitted you are a sinner in need of Jesus’ sacrifice? (Romans 6:23)