Mark 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
It is so easy for me to analyze this scene for wrongdoing. The chief priests were jealous, pure and simple. If they had only focused on the common goal, creating followers of God, how much good could they have done? The people were sheep, following along with what their leaders said: Surely Jesus must be guilty of something if the chief priests accuse Him.
Mark 15:14“ Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
Pilate was a coward. He didn’t see any guilt in Jesus but he didn’t want to incite a riot with the Jews, so he washed his hands of the situation, doing nothing when he could have stopped it. Only the Roman centurion realized who Jesus truly was and only after His death. Jealousy, complacency, cowardice, realization that comes too late….
Mark 15:15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Precious Savior, Only You could bring beauty from the ashes of this chapter. Jesus had to die for our sins in order for us to be reconciled to You. Thank You for Your mercy and compassion on us. Jealousy, complacency, cowardice, realization that comes too late… these are still things that we struggle with. Often. Forgive us. Help us to ask, seek, knock. Help us to shine Your light and glorify Your name. Always. Amen.
Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
Have a blessed day.