Jesus Before Pilate – Mark 15:1-15

What is the significance of the fact that the conspiracy to kill Jesus was hatched by Pastors (religious leaders)?

Bible Reading

Mark 15:1-15

1  Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.

2  Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”

3  And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing.

4  Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!”

5  But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

6  Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested.

 

7  And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.

8  Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them.

9  But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

10  For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.

11  But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.

12  Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

13  So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”

14  Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”

15  So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.

(NKJ)

 

Food for Thought

1.   Were you ever bullied as a child and why?

2.   When have you ever been influenced by the opinions of a group?

3.   What sort of reputation did you have when you were in secondary school?

 

Bible Study

4.   What did the Sanhedrin do with Jesus after deciding that he was guilty? (15:1)

5.   Why did Pilate ask Jesus if he is the king of the Jews? (15:2)

6.   What is the meaning of Jesus’ response to Pilate’s question? (15:2)

7.   Why was Pilate amazed at Jesus? (15:3-5)

8.   How did Jesus react to the accusations raised against him? (15:5)

9. Why did Pilate try to have Jesus released instead of Barabbas? (15:9-10)

10. Why did Pilate’s attempt to release Jesus fail? (15:11-15)

11. What reason did the crowd give to Pilate to crucify Jesus? (15:14)

12. How did the crowd influence Pilate’s decision? (15:15)

13. Why did Jesus end up being flogged and crucified? (15:15)

 

Kingdom Dynamics

14. In your opinion, what kind of a man was Pilate?

15. Why do you think the Sanhedrin handed over Jesus to Pilate?

16. What is the significance of the fact that the conspiracy to kill Jesus was hatched by Pastors (religious leaders)?

17. How should we react if people use lies and false accusations against us?

18. Why did people who had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, listened to his teachings and praised him with hosannas now demand that he be crucified?

19. How should believers regard public opinion and adulation?

20. Why did Pilate offer to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd?

21. What insights into the gospel do you see in the release of a murderer in exchange for Jesus?

22. Why do you think Pilate did what the crowd wanted?

23. Why is group or peer pressure so powerful?

24. What is difficult about standing up to the crowd?

25. Where do you often feel pressured by others to go against your beliefs?

26. How can we remember to respond properly when pressured by the crowd?

27. Why did Jesus endure the ordeal of the crucifixion when it was in his power to defend himself?

28. When is it unimportant to defend ourselves or our actions?

29. What is difficult about being unpopular or disliked by a group?

30. Why is it so difficult to trust God with our reputation?

31. In what way can you entrust your reputation to God?

 

Practical Christianity

32. What reminder can you use this week to entrust your reputation to God each day?

33. What is one step you can take this week to strengthen your conviction against pressure from co-workers, friends or family?