Jesus is sentenced to death by Pilate: Mark 15:1-20

Imaginative Contemplation

Having determined that Jesus should be put to death for proclaiming himself as the Christ, the Jewish leaders had to take the matter to the Roman governor, who alone had the authority to sentence a person to death. How did the Jewish leaders feel about not having total authority in their own land?

Pilate was in the habit of releasing a prisoner for the Jews at the Passover Feast. Why did Pilate restrict the choice to a murderer or to Jesus?

How did the Roman soldiers treat Jesus? Why?

How did Jesus react?

 

Enter into the scene

There was a lot of activity in Jerusalem on the eve of that Passover holiday. This religious festival recalled how the Lord had freed his people from the slavery of Egypt many generations ago. The markets were bustling with large crowds, the women were preparing the lambs for the evening meal, small groups of people were making their way to Pilate’s Office to plead for the release of a prisoner. There were two other unusually busy parts of the city, too. Pilate’s Office had attracted a crowd, and there was another large, unruly group making its way from the Palace of the High Priest up to Pilate. So many people intent on their own agenda.

Pilate was unprepared for what was to unfold before him. He was called to put his stamp on a conviction that the High Priest was presenting to him. Being the Roman Governor, he alone could pass the death sentence.

What a commotion this crowd was making! There was something sinister about all this. Why were they accusing this man? Why such hatred? Why such unrest? Pilate came out to hear the sentence, just another case of Jewish jealousy. But no, this was very different. There seemed to be something connected to their religion. And they were insisting that Jesus must be put to death.

How could Pilate extract himself from a religious quarrel that didn’t concern him? There was another crowd waiting for Pilate’s attention. He would turn to them. They wanted the usual Passover pardon from Pilate, who was in the habit of releasing a prisoner of their choice at Passover. This time, their choice would be limited; either Jesus the Christ or Barabas the murderer. To Pilate’s alarm, the newcomers shouted, ‘Release Barabas! Crucify Jesus!’ Dreading an imminent riot, Pilate acquiesced, and in his anger, had Jesus flogged and condemned to be crucified.

For further reflection

Discuss with Jesus the following points:

  • What a lot can happen in one day! Do I use the Examen at the end of the day to see where God has been working in my life?

  • In the morning, do I pray for God’s guidance for the day?

  • Am I swayed in my decisions by the crowd? Can I stand apart if I am not convinced of the rightness of an issue?

  • Do I make decisions while I am angry, or do I take time to discern what my response should be?

Prayer

Lord, in all of the Passion you accept what is happening to you, trusting in the Father’s love and care. When I experience suffering in my life, may I turn to you with confidence. Help me to reach out to others in their time of suffering and need. Amen.