King of Truth
Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
The Jews were not allowed to execute a prisoner under Roman rule. So they go to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
Mark 15:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.
The charge the Jews accused Jesus of was blasphemy, claiming to be the son of God and King of the Jews. Blasphemy meant nothing to a Roman governor, but a king? Perhaps he would lead an insurrection, warring against Roman rule? Jesus did not deny being the king of the Jews. He is the one fulfilling the prophecy of a king coming after King David, with an everlasting throne. Jesus spoke in the temple earlier:
Mark 12:35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David?
Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Mark 12:37 David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.
Mark 15:3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
John's gospel gives us more.
John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
John 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
His kingdom was not yet of this world. His kingdom is in the hearts of those who have his Holy Spirit The millennial kingdom would come later. The Millennium
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
Hear the word of God, the truth of God. Jesus is truth.
Unholy alliance against God
Mark 15:6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
Mark 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
Barabbas was a dangerous man, a terrorist.
Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
Their desire was to release one prisoner. Jesus had been badly treated, whipped and abused by Herod and then by Pilate. Pilate wanted Herod to deal with Jesus and the Jewish leaders:
Luke 23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Luke 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Luke 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
The kingdom of darkness is united against the kingdom of God; the kingdom of light and truth. Jesus had spoken earlier to the Jewish leaders:
Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Mat 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Mat 12:27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Mat 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Remember this when you witness, you will find people who will join with you, having the Spirit of God. Also, you will see people come together, who have only one thing in common: they oppose Jesus and his light of truth. One more you may find, those truly seeking what only Jesus can give; forgiveness and eternal life. There will be a fight for the soul of them who seek. God is greater, we fight in the Spirit by prayer and the word of God. We do not argue with darkness, we give the light of God's word. We battle in the Spirit, by His Spirit, witnessing by His word and our testimony.
Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
We fight for the souls of the lost.
2 Cor 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
We are obedient to God and His word, the light of truth joins together in unity against the kingdom of darkness, to save the souls of the lost who are seeking God. Often I have received opposition from those who claim to walk in truth, they are not of God's spirit.
Who will you obey?
Mark 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Pilate attempts to reason with the crowd. You know that Barabbas is a murderer, a terrorist, a menace to society. I have examined Jesus and found no wrong, no sin in him.
Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
He knew, he was a man and knew the ways of men.
1 Cor 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
These men were not in God's spirit, if they were, they would not have betrayed the Lord of glory. They did not know the author of our salvation; the living Word of God.They had delivered him for envy. Today they throw him out of our schools and courts, for political correctness, it is only envy. People desire importance, making themselves as gods, while ignoring the true God, and putting man's words above his commandments.
Mark 15:11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
The chief priests moved them, they obeyed their spiritual leaders. Who do we listen to? Aol news? Party politicians? We had better listen to God, by knowing his word and his voice. Discern the spirits, especially in these last days.
Mark 15:12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
They had cried Hosanna, deliver us now, they saw him as king a week before. Now they deliver him to satan, crying, crucify him, crucify him.
Mark 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
Mark 15:14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
What evil had he done? None, for he was doing the will of God. The sinless and perfect Son of God was to die, spilling his blood for our sins. This was the plan of God, the cup that he gave to Jesus.
Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
He loved us that much. Who will you follow and who will you obey? Obey God and receive and follow His Son.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hail King of the Jews
Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
Excessive whipping and abuse, with much blood spilled. By His stripes we were healed.
Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
Mark 15:17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
Mark 15:18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
The whole band of soldiers mocked him, forced a crown of thorns on his head; more blood spilled from his head for the healing of our minds. They mockingly saluted him as the king of the Jews, They spoke the truth as if it were a lie, for the devil opposes the truth. They made fun of him as demons, seeking to play games with the most Holy Lord Jesus. Jesus spoke earlier:
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Do we make the things of God as foolishness? If so, we are as the world, without spiritual understanding. Jesus spoke earlier of the foolishness of the heart, without spiritual understanding.
Mark 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
More of the same blasphemy. If they hated our Lord, they will hate us as well, so be prepared.
Mark 15:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
He wore his clothing over his torn flesh, to the cross. At the cross even his clothing was removed for a foolish game. They threw dice for his garments. He was naked to bear our shame upon the cross.
Mat 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
Jesus gave his body and earthly possessions to buy us back from the devil. His soul and spirit remained with God the Father. Thank you my Lord and my God, for now we are also become children of the most high God, through the shed blood of our Lord. Our sins are paid for, in full, when we believe in him and are born again, of God's Spirit.
Carry the Cross
Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
Simon the Cyrene was forced to bear the weight of the cross. Cyrene was in Northern Africa, so Simon may have been a black man. One wonders where Peter and James and John were at this time. They could have carried the cross. This was one of the greatest honors given to a man, to bear the cross for Jesus, dragging it up to the mountain of the skull. We are told to bear our own cross, to die to the flesh and to follow Jesus.
Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Simon was to bear the cross of Jesus and was rewarded with a family who would serve the Lord. One of Simon's sons, Alexander would be mentioned as part of the church in Antioch.
Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
A Rufus is mentioned by Paul as a beloved friend, his beloved mother as well.
Rom 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
We cannot bear the Lord's cross, but we are to take up our own cross daily, die to selfish desires and we are to follow Jesus each day. How? By reading the Bible and doing as he says. You must receive him as Lord and savior from your sins. He will reward you with a new heart that desires to serve God and to do good works. Our reward is to be called the adopted of God, eternally with our Lord in heavenly places.
Crucified
Mark 15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
The profile of the mountain looked like a skull.
Mark 15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
This was as a pain reliever. He took our pain to the cross too. He knows what it is like to suffer pain as a human, as well as trials and temptations.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
A continuously woven garment is the garment of a priest. Jesus is our great high Priest of God. Exodus 28:31-32 tells us that the High Priest wore a seamless garment.
Mark 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
John 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
John's gospel said it was the sixth hour, using the Roman time of 6AM, when Jesus was sent to the cross by the Romans. Mark said it was the third hour, using the Jewish time, three hours after sunrise, or 9AM, when Jesus was crucified.
Jesus was crucified for our sins. The most excruciating torture, following the terrible whippings. He did this for us. The price to remove our sins was a great price. A price that only God was able to do for us. Thank you, my Lord and my God.
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
King of the Jews
Mark 15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
He was eternal king after King David and His Father, God. Remember when Israel desired an earthly king? God was not pleased, for he had been their King.
1 Sam 8:6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
1 Sam 8:7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
Jesus was the true king, after king David: king of the Jews, and Father God, King of all who are in His Covenant. The covenant confirmed by the blood of His son, Jesus.
Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
One of the thieves cried out to Jesus and was saved.
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
Isa 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Isa 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Who are the great, the strong who will divide his inheritance? We are, we who trust in him and overcome the devil.
Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
They still did not understand. His temple is His body, and he would rise again from the grave on the third day.
Mark 15:30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
He was never lost. Jesus is God, he died to save us from our sins. Those who mock him mock the only way for them to be saved from their sins.
Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
They had seen his miracles and did not believe. Hell awaited them, as with the story of the rich man in hell and Lazarus in the arms of Abraham, in paradise. They will go to hell for unbelief. The rich man pleaded with Abraham:
Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Jesus would rise from the dead and they still would not believe. They would pass on their unbelief from generation to generation. But, their time will come.
Joel 3:16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Joel 3:17 So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
Joel 3:20 But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
Joel 3:21 For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.
The blood of Jesus cleanses the sinful blood of Adams children.
Darkness over all the Land
Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
The sixth hour by Hebrew time was 12 noon. At the brightest time of day until 3PM, there was darkness over the whole land. All Israel was in darkness because of this great sin against God's Son, who is the Light of the world.
Jesus had spoken earlier:
John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
John 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, ...
Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
For the first time, Jesus felt separated from the Father. This was because he took upon himself our sins. Sins separate us from the Father. Jesus took our sins upon himself.
Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Gal 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Mark 15:35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
Mark 15:36 And one ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.
Elias had come, John the Baptist; And, they killed him too.
Mat 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Mat 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Mat 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Jesus gave his all
Mark 15:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. He gave up His Spirit. His Spirit left His body, because his body he gave up to death. The soul and the spirit continue. Jesus was in charge, he finished what he came to do. To give his earthly body to redeem our fallen spirits and to bring us to God with him.
John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
The veil that was a foot thick, that separated the holy of holies altar of God in the temple, from the common people. Jesus had given common people like you and I, access to the holy of holies; that is the throne room of God, by our redeemed new man. His Spirit in us has access to God the Father and the Son.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
The centurion was convinced, are you convinced? Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus Son of God and Son of Man.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
The Burial
Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
Mark 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
These women were some of his most faithful followers.
Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
Joseph was not ashamed to claim the body of Jesus.
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Pilate was amazed that Jesus had died so soon. The centurion testified that it was so. Had Jesus not given up the ghost, the Chief priests saw to it that all were killed before the sabboth. They must pretend to keep the holy laws, which is a testimony to their utter blindness. They did not want dead bodies hanging on crosses during their Passover time.
Do we pretend to worship God with unconfessed sins in our heart?
Even though they were responsible for killing the King of Kings, the true Passover lamb of God. They were so religious, and so blind.
John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
John 9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Mark 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
Joseph buried Jesus in his own tomb.
He gave of his best sacrificially. Miraculously, he would receive the tomb back, empty, after three days.
Jesus died on the cross with the wicked robbers and was placed in a rich mans tomb, as prophesied.
Isa 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Another secret admirer came to prepare the body of Jesus for burial: the Pharisee, Nicodemus.
John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
John 19:42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Mat 27:60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
They wanted to honor Jesus, even in his death serving him. Many serve dead leaders, who offer little hope, but we serve a risen savior, a sure hope of eternal life.
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