[:en]SCRIPTURE: MARK 15
Bible Verses:
“ And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
“ The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 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!” (Mark 15:38-39)
JESUS BEFORE PILATE (vs. 1-15)
Jesus was bound and presented to governor, Pontius Pilate. The chief priests accused Jesus of many things. When they asked him: “Are you King of the Jews?” Jesus replied: “Yes, it is as you say” (v. 2)
Instead of examining the facts and make a decision based on truth, Pilate offered the crown an attractive compromise. He let them choose either to release Barabbas, a murderer or Jesus. People chose to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus.
THE SOLDIERS MOCK JESUS (vs. 16-20)
The soldiers put a purple robe on Jesus and set a crown of thorns on him. They struck his head, spit on him and led him out to be crucified.
THE CRUCIFIXION (vs. 21-32)
While Simon, a man from cyrene was passing by, they forced him to carry the cross to Golgotha (the place of the skull). Jesus refused the myrrh offered by them.. After he was being crucified, they cast lots to divide his clothes.
The charge made against jesus reads: “The King of the Jews”. There were two robbers beside him, one on his right and the other at his left. Those who passed by hurled insults against Jesus saying: “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” (v. 30). In the same way, the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him and said: “He saved others, but he can’t save himself! Let his Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe” (v. 32_
THE DEATH OF JESUS (vs. 33-41)
At the 9th hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice: “Myu God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v. 34). Then he breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn into two from top to the bottom. And the centurion said: “Surely, this man was the Son of God!” (v. 39). Among the women who were there were Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of James and Joses, and Salome.
THE BURIAL OF JESUS (vs. 42-47)
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council wento to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Joseph wrapped him with linen and placed it in a tomb cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
REFLECTION:
- Pontius Pilate was more interested in peace than truth. Instead of administering justice, he compromised. How about you? Do you stand firm to what is right and just without compromising?
- Jesus was offered the narcotic drink to dreaden his pain but he refused it. He bore his suffering to the fullest for our sins. Can you bear your trials by trusting the Lord till the end?
- Jesus was reviled by the passersby, the leaders, the thieves and the soldiers. They maltreated and mocked him. Have you ever caused the name of the Lord to be despised?
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