Final Answers + Fool Factor X 4 = The Verdict

I am preaching thru Mark. Here are Sunday's Sermon notes / outline of Mark 15:1-20. This is what I hand out to the folks at church. It may or may not make sense on it own. Some one tell me you see the three TV show allusions. . .


Final Answers + Fool Factor X 4 = The Verdict
Handing Over & Leading Away Their King – Mark 15:1-20

There is some sick teamwork in this passage, much use & abuse in this text: the Jewish Leaders use Pilate, Pilate uses the People, the People use Barabbas, and the Roman Soldiers use and abuse Jesus. YET, GOD USES ALL of it to bring us salvation (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22). Four foolish factions facilitate God’s eternal plan. While Jesus is handed over from group to group and lead away like a lamb to slaughter, He is still in control – of Himself & the situation.


I. The Jealous Jewish Leaders Jury Rig Justice
Jealousy: see Prov. 27:4; Prov. 6:34, 35; Gen.37; Acts 19
· They Use Pilate / the State
· More False Accusations against Jesus
· They Stir the Crowd & Create a lynch mob


II. Pilate Ponders Yet Placates the People with a Political Punt
2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate.
4 So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer?
See how many things they are accusing you of."
5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
9 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate..
12 "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?"
Pilate asked them. 13 "Crucify him!" they shouted.
14 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them.


III. The Crazed Crowds Barbarically Beg for Barabbas
“Mob think” is an oxymoron. They were lead like lambs too.

IV. Roman Soldiers Abuse & Mock The King (16-20)


Not-to-be-Missed Mentions by Mark:

Repeated Phrases:
“Handed Him over” vs. 1, 10, 15
“Lead Him away” vs. 1, 16, 20

The Clear Confession of Kingship by Christ: vs. 2 (& Mk 14:61, 62)
"Are you the king of the Jews?"…
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.” NIV

The Sovereign Substitution for a Serious Sinner: vs. 6-15; 2 Corin. 5:21

Praise God the King – JESUS - was handed over,
lead away & killed in the place of sinners like us.