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.
Continuing in context from the previous chapter…
Having achieved the desired verdict that Jesus deserved death for blasphemy, the chief priests, elders, scribes and the whole Sanhedrin (Jewish Supreme Court so to speak) had Jesus bound and took Him to Pilate at dawn. The Jews did not have the right of execution; only the Roman authorities could administer such a sentence.
Courson: “Jesus was bound not by puny ropes but by cords of love. As Creator of the ropes, He could have burst them easily. As the Lamb of God, He chose to be bound by them willingly."
Mark 15:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.
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.
Pilate questioned Jesus, asking Him if He was the King of the Jews. This question indicates that the primary charge upon which they presented Jesus to Pilate was treason. Jesus basically said, “It is as you say.” The chief priests made a list of more accusations against the Savior, but He maintained His silence, refusing to defend Himself.
The prophet Isaiah foretold the silence of the suffering Messiah.
Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
Pilate tried once again to get Jesus to talk to him, asking Him if He wasn’t going to defend Himself against the litany of charges made against Him. Jesus maintained His silence, and Pilate couldn’t help but admire the man.
The NIV Commentary provides some historical insight: “In Roman trials the magistrate normally heard the charges first, questioned the defendant and listened to his defense, sometimes permitted several such exchanges, and then retired with his advisors to decide on a verdict, which was then promptly carried out.
Reminder: Mark’s record is more of a concise summary of events; he does not include many things recorded in the other gospel narratives. For example, Matthew tells us about Judas trying to return the blood money and hanging himself. Luke includes a conversation about truth between Jesus and Pilate and the fact that he sent Jesus before Herod once he learned that He was a Galilean.
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.
Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
Mark 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
Mark 15:11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
It was common at Passover for the authorities to release one prisoner in accordance with the will of the people. In prison at that time was a man named Barabbas who was guilty of insurrection and murder. At some point the crowd began to call for Pilate to release a prisoner. He decided to give them the option of releasing Barabbas or “the King of the Jews.” He knew that the chief priests had trumped up charges against Jesus out of jealousy, so I am sure he thought that the people would surely call for the release of Jesus rather than a murderer. However, the chief priests were able to incite the crowd to call for the release of Barabbas.
The NIV Commentary poses a plausible explanation for the crowd’s reaction: “There apparently had been an uprising in the city of Jerusalem…
Luke 23:18–19 “And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)”
…and one of the insurrectionists was a man named Barabbas (his first name may have been Jesus). He and his fellow insurrectionists had been thrown in prison for revolution and murder. Barabbas was probably a member of the sect of the Zealots, who deeply resented the Roman occupation of Palestine. The crowd apparently came to Pilate’s tribunal for the primary purpose of asking for Barabbas’s release.”
Guzik adds with this quote from Robertson: “If one wonders why the crowd was fickle, he may recall that this was not yet the same people who followed him in triumphal entry and in the temple. That was the plan of Judas to get the thing over before those Galilean sympathizers waked up.”
Isn’t it sad that people in powerful positions often ruthlessly use that power to their own wicked purposes without regard to what is right and just? That truth is so evident in the political arena in America today. What a blessing to know that God is sovereign and that His purposes will be accomplished despite all the evil orchestrated by mankind and that there is a coming day of judgment for the wicked!
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?
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.
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.
Pilate responded by asking what they wanted him to do with the one they called the “King of the Jews.” They immediately cried out, “Crucify Him.” Pilate asked them what evil Jesus had done. The crowd continued to yell, “Crucify Him.” So Pilate, as do so many in authority, chose to content the people rather than stand for justice. Matthew tells us that Pilate tried to absolve himself of guilt before pronouncing His death verdict.
Matthew 27:24–25 “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.”
Spurgeon spoke wisdom regarding Pilate’s actions: “Oh, the daring of Pilate thus in the sight of God to commit murder and disclaim it. There is a strange mingling of cowardliness and courage about many men; they are afraid of a man, but not afraid of the eternal God who can destroy both body and soul in hell.”
The crowd immediately responded by boldly declaring that the blood of Jesus could be credited to their account and that of their children. Sadly, there have been many Jews persecuted and killed throughout church history for that very reason.”
Pilate released Barabbas and gave Jesus over to the soldiers to be crucified after having Him scourged. John tells us that this occurred on the day of preparation for the Passover (which would be celebrated that evening).
John 19:14–16 “And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!...Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.”
I gather from commentators that scourging was included in the sentence to crucifixion. This scourging was so severe that many men died in the process. I found the following at http://www.bible-history.com/past/flagrum.html.
“The Romans would, according to custom, scourge a condemned criminal before he was put to death. The Roman scourge, also called the ‘flagrum’ or ‘flagellum’ was a short whip made of two or three leather (ox-hide) thongs or ropes connected to a handle as in the sketch above. The leather thongs were knotted with a number of small pieces of metal, usually zinc and iron, attached at various intervals. Scourging would quickly remove the skin. According to history the punishment of a slave was particularly dreadful. The leather was knotted with bones, or heavy indented pieces of bronze. Sometimes the Roman scourge contained a hook at the end and was given the terrifying name "scorpion." The criminal was made to stoop which would make deeper lashes from the shoulders to the waist. According to Jewish law (discipline of the synagogue) the number of stripes was forty less one (Deut. 25:3) and the rabbis reckoned 168 actions to be punished by scourging before the judges. Nevertheless, scourging among the Romans was a more severe form of punishment and there was no legal limit to the number of blows, as with the Jews. Deep lacerations, torn flesh, exposed muscles and excessive bleeding would leave the criminal "half-dead." Death was often the result of this cruel form of punishment though it was necessary to keep the criminal alive to be brought to public subjugation on the cross. The Centurion in charge would order the "lictors" to halt the flogging when the criminal was near death. “
Evil men know how to instigate and make use of mob mentality. I don’t think most of the people crying out for the crucifixion of Jesus really understood that they were being manipulated. I am reminded of the words of Jesus from the cross as recorded by Luke.
Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Again, this scenario is being played out in the public arena in American politics and government today. People of wealth and influence are using their resources to create the same type of mob mentality that is on display on the television news. Many of these people are participating for profit, some for excitement and most with no rational reasoning whatsoever. They are all, however, being manipulated; and most don’t even realize that fact.
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!
Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
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.
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.
The soldiers took Jesus to the Praetorium to gather the battalion. They proceeded to clothe Jesus in a purple robe and plat together a crown of thorns that they put on His head. They mockingly saluted Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They hit Jesus on the head with a reed and spit on Him as they bowed their knees in mocking worship. Once they had had their fun, they put His own clothes back on Him and led Him out to be crucified. Along the way, they forced Simon, a Cyrenian (what is today northeastern Libya), the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry the cross of Jesus because He physically could not do it after the scourging.
I think the gospel writers make special note of Simon because his family became leaders in the early church whom many would recognize. According to Wikipedia, “Tradition states Simon's sons Rufus and Alexander became missionaries; the inclusion of their names in Mark 15:21 may suggest that they were of some standing in the Early Christian community at Rome. It has also been suggested that the Rufus (Ῥοῦφον Rhouphon) mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:13 is the son of Simon of Cyrene. Some also link Simon himself with the "men of Cyrene" who preached the Gospel to the Greeks in Acts 11:20.”
Mark 15:22 ¶ And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
Jesus was taken to a place called Golgotha, “the place of a skull,” to be crucified. We know from John and the writer to the Hebrews that this was outside the city gates.
John 19:20 “This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city….” “nigh” = near
Hebrews 13:11–12 “For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.”
“without” = outside
Guzik provides some sober insight regarding death by crucifixion: “Beyond the excruciating pain, crucifixion made it painful to simply breathe. The weight of the body pulling down on the arms and shoulders made it feel like you could breathe in but not out. The lack of oxygen led to severe muscle cramps, which made it even harder to breathe. To get a good breath, one had to push against the feet and flex the elbows, pulling from the shoulders. Putting the weight of the body on the nail-pierced feet produced searing pain, and flexing the elbows twisted the hands hanging on the nails. Lifting the body for a breath also scraped the open wounds on the back against the rough wooden post. Each effort to get a proper breath was agonizing, exhausting, and led to a quicker death.”
Mark 15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
Most commentators note that this was an act of mercy meant to dull the pain of what was to come. A few think that this was just an act of continued cruel treatment at the hands of the Roman soldiers because it was a bitter tasting potion.
Luke informs us that it was after this that Jesus spoke His first words from the cross.
Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
The soldiers parted His garments, casting lots to see who would get them. Matthew once again notes that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. The wording of Psalm 22 is so descriptive of Jesus’ crucifixion that one cannot deny the connection.
Psalms 22:14–18 “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
At this point John tells us of the words from Jesus that were directed to His mother Mary and John. As the oldest son, He wanted to ensure that His mother was well cared for by one He knew He could trust.
John 19:25–27 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”
Mark 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
Mark notes that it was the third hour or 9:00 a.m. when Jesus was crucified.
Mark 15:25 “And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.”
This seems to be another discrepancy with John, who, as shown in the quote above from John 19, fixed the time as the sixth hour. I found the following information explaining a reference to the blocks of the day atwww.workmenforchrist.org:
Third hour--6am-9am
Sixth hour--9am-12pm
Ninth hour--12pm-3pm
Twelfth hour--3pm-6pm
First Watch--6pm-9pm
Second Watch--9pm-12am
Third Watch--12am-3am
Fourth Watch--3am-6am
If that were the accepted form of reference (and research seems to support it) that would automatically reconcile both accounts.
The discrepancy could just be as simple as a copyist’s error in one of the accounts.
Mark 15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
John’s account tells us a bit more about this sign.
John 19:19–22 “And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.”
The NIV Study Bible provides this insight: “It was customary to write the charge on a wooden board that was carried before the victim as he walked to the place of execution, and then the board was affixed to the cross above his head.” We are told that Pilate personally ordered the wording used on this board. I think it was his way of getting a little revenge on the chief priests for forcing his hand to make a decision with which he did not agree.
Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
It is noted that Jesus was crucified between two thieves, once again in fulfillment of scripture.
Isaiah 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.”
Some commentators note that verse 28 is not included in some manuscripts. That claim makes no difference in the truth of the statement.
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,
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.
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.
As our dear Savior hung on the cross, the chief priests were among the chief mockers at the foot of the cross. They taunted Him by telling Him to come down from the cross and save Himself. Mark notes that the thieves joined in with those that mocked Jesus.
At some point, according to Luke, one of the thieves experienced a change of heart and realized that Jesus was innocent and was the true King of the Jews, the Messiah. He showed his faith by admitting his sin and asking the LORD to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Jesus immediately responded to the repentant sinner (as He always does) and promised that he would that very day be with Jesus in Paradise.
One can’t help but wonder what made the thief finally realize that Jesus was the Messiah. Maybe it was solely the gracious ministry of the Holy Spirit to an open heart. This thief is the prime example from scripture that God’s grace is available to the sinner to the moment of death. David Guzik makes a good point in light of this truth however: “There is one deathbed conversion in the Bible, so that no one would despair; but only one, so that no one would presume.”
There is a song by Stuart Townsend that I think beautifully expresses the heart of those of us like that thief who are beneficiaries of Jesus’ sacrifice.
How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away.
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the Man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed to hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life.
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His rewards?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Mark 15:33 ¶ And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
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?
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 spunge 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.
At the sixth hour (noon) darkness fell across the land until the ninth hour (3:00 pm). This is obviously a supernatural event. A solar eclipse doesn’t last for three hours, nor does it darken the earth completely. The New Bible Commentary notes that Passover was always celebrated at a full moon, a time during which an eclipse is not possible.
The man Jesus cried out in agony to His God, asking why He had forsaken Him. I believe that cry revealed the great agony that prompted Jesus to pray in the garden before His arrest. He had never ever been separated from the Father or experienced broken fellowship with Him in any way. It was this separation, caused when Jesus became my sin and yours, that caused Jesus the greatest agony.
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Some of those who heard Him thought that He was calling for Elijah and waited to see if he would show up and take Jesus off the cross.
The NIV Commentary notes that their response was rooted in a tradition that Elijah “would come and rescue the righteous in their distress.” Other commentators believe this was yet another mocking reference to the fact that Malachi had declared Elijah would come before the Messiah was recognized, so where was he?
Mark 15:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
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.
Both Luke and Matthew give us some interesting information that adds to this section.
Luke 23:46 “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”
Matthew 27:51–53 “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”
An important point—Jesus was even in control of the moment of His death. It was no accident that it occurred at the same time they were sacrificing the Passover lambs. Jesus died as our Passover lamb.
From Matthew we learn that not only was the veil of the temple torn in half, it was torn from top to bottom. This curtain separated the Holy of holies from the rest of the temple. It was a very thick curtain, so this rip was a miracle in itself. Again, one has to note the supernatural at work. A natural earthquake does not result in people coming out of their graves. God is making a huge statement—You have just crucified my beloved Son, the Lamb of God proclaimed by John the Baptist.
John 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
By ripping apart the veil at the temple, God declared that access to Him is now possible for each and every person because of His Son’s provision. Jesus affirmed this truth.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Isn’t it interesting that the death of Jesus caused one Roman centurion to publicly declare that Jesus must surely be the Son of God? I think the words of Jesus as recorded by the gospel writers caused this soldier to recognize that Jesus was in control of the situation, so He must surely be the Son of God.
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.
Mark tells us that though all Jesus’ disciples deserted Him except John, many of the women that followed Him and ministered to Him stayed with Him to the bitter end. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses and Salome. These women were followers of Jesus that provided support for His ministry.
John seems to identify four women at the cross: Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary’s sister, Mary wife of Cleopas and Mary Magdalene.
John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. This would seem to indicate that Mary wife of Cleopas is the mother of James and Joses.
Matthew 4:21 Identifies Zebedee as the father of James and John. “And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.”
Matthews 27:56 identifies the women at the cross as Mary Magdalene, Mary wife of Cleopas, and the mother of Zebedee’s children. “Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.” This would seem to be referencing Salome as Mary’s sister when compared to John 19:25.
At this point John provides further detail.
John 19:31–34 “The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”
John notes that the Jews begged Pilate to have the soldiers break the legs of the men to speed up their death so that burial could be accomplished before the beginning of the Passover Sabbath. When they came to Jesus, however, they saw that He was already dead and did not break His legs; but they pierced His side for further confirmation. Blood and water poured out when He was pierced, giving evidence of a ruptured heart.
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.
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.
Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
Evening was approaching and all the gospel writers tell us that Joseph of Arimathea begged Pilate to let him handle the burial of Jesus. Joseph was evidently a man of influence since Pilate consented to give him the body of Jesus. John tells us that this man was a secret disciple of Jesus because he stood in fear of his cohorts.
John 19:38 “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews….”
Luke tells us that Joseph was also a member of the ruling council, but he did not consent to the council’s verdict against Jesus.
Luke 23:50–51 “And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.”
Joseph took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb and rolled a great stone in front of the entrance to the tomb.
Matthew 27:59–60 “And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 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.”
Once again John tells us a bit more. We learn that Nicodemus helped Joseph and brought “an hundred pound weight” of myrrh and aloes that they wound around Jesus with the linen cloths in accordance with Jewish custom. John also notes that the tomb was near a garden and the place of crucifixion.
John 19:39–40 “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. 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. 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. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.”
Both Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses made a point of knowing exactly where Jesus was buried.
Mark 16:1 ¶ And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Mark 16:2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
I think it is significant to note that Matthew tells us that Pilate sent a group of soldiers to secure the tomb to appease the Pharisees who were concerned that the disciples of Jesus would come and take His body away. They just didn’t take into account that He would not need the stone removed to be able to get out of tomb.
Matthew 27:62–66 “Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”
Very early on the first day of the week following the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, and Salome bought spices to anoint the body of Jesus. They arrived at the tomb at sunrise. It seems that they were talking about whom they might get to move the huge stone that secured the tomb. Much to their surprise, the stone was already rolled away when they arrived at the tomb.
Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
The women went into the tomb expecting to find the body of Jesus. Instead, they saw a young man (Matthew tells us that he was an angel) clothed in a long white garment sitting on the right side. Naturally, this frightened them. The young man told the women not to be afraid. He knew that they were looking for the body of Jesus. He told the women that Jesus had arisen from the dead; He was no longer there. Then he pointed to the empty place where His body had lain. The angel told the women to go and tell His disciples “and Peter” that Jesus would meet them in Galilee as He had told them He would. (Already the Father is reaching out to restore Peter, the one that failed so grievously by denying His LORD.)
The women left quickly and ran to get away from the tomb. They were so amazed that they trembled, but they were afraid to say anything to anyone. The other gospels indicate that they did go and tell the disciples and that Peter and John took off to see for themselves. It seems that they were well aware of the location of the tomb as well.
The resurrection testified to the deity of Jesus and the fact that God the Father approved of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 1:1–4 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead….”
1 Corinthians 15:14–15 “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.”
1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead….”
The Jewish New Testament Commentary notes that the rest of this chapter is absent from the two oldest Greek manuscripts. The information presented here is affirmed in the rest of the gospel accounts, except for the reference to drinking poison without harm in verse 18.
Guzik provides the following additional insight.
“Many very early Christian writers refer to this passage in their writings, which shows that the early Christians knew it was there and accepted it.
Papias refers to Mark 16:18. He wrote around A.D. 100.
Justin Martyr’s first Apology quotes Mark 16:20 (A.D. 151).
Irenaus in Against Heresies quotes Mark 16:13 and remarks on it (A.D. 180).
Hippolytus in Peri Charismaton quotes Mark 16:18-19. In his homily on the heresy of Noetus he refers to Mark 16:19. He wrote while he was Bishop of Portus (A.D. 190-227).
Vicentius, Bishop of Thibari, quotes from 2 of the verses in the 7th Council of Carthage held under Cyprian (A.D. 256). Augustine, a century and a half later, in his reply, recited the words again
The apocryphal Acts of Pilate contains Mark 16:15-18 (thought to be in the 200’s A.D.).
The Apostolic Constitutions clearly allude to Mark 16:15 in two places and quote Mark 16:16 outright (thought to be in the 200’s or 300’s A.D.).
The overwhelming majority of ancient manuscripts do include this passage.”
Mark 16:9 ¶ Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Mark 16:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
It seems that Mary Magdalene went back to the tomb because Mark notes that she was the first person to whom Jesus showed Himself. Mark reminds us that Jesus had cast seven devils out of Mary.
John tells us about Mary’s encounter with Jesus.
John 20:11–17 “But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
Notice that Mary did not recognize Jesus until He called her by name. She immediately recognized her name from His lips and cried out, “Rabboni,” which meant “Master.” He cautioned her not to grab Him since He had not yet returned to the Father. Then He asked her to go and tell His brothers (their position in the family as believers) that He was returning to His Father and their Father, to His God and their God.
The question begs, “Why did Christ not want Mary to touch Him?” I found an explanation from Arthur Pink that was enlightening: “On this very day, the morrow after the Sabbath, the high priest waved the sheaf of the first fruits before the Lord while He, the First fruits from the dead (1Cor 15:23) would be fulfilling the type by presenting Himself before the Father. (Companion Bible)”
1Corinthians 15:22-23 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
After seeing Jesus, Mary Magdalene went to tell the disciples that she had seen Jesus, and He was alive. They were mourning and weeping when she found them. Instead of rejoicing at her news and remembering that Jesus had told them He would arise from the grave, they didn’t believe her.
Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
Mark 16:13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Sometime later, Jesus appeared to two of His followers as they walked in the country. They too went to tell the disciples that Jesus was alive; still, they did not believe it.
Luke tells us much more about this encounter.
Luke 24:13–31 “And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.”
As with Mary Magdalene, these men did not recognize the risen Savior. One of the men was identified as Cleopas, probably the father of James and Joses and whose wife was identified as being at the foot of the cross. When Jesus asked them what they were talking about, they were surprised he wasn’t aware of the events surrounding Jesus of Nazareth. They told how the women had talked with the angels and been told that Jesus was alive. They related how the disciples had even gone to the tomb and had not found Him there. Jesus then chided the men for being so slow to believe what the prophets had foretold. He then began with the writings of Moses and taught them of the scriptures that spoke about Him. Once they arrived at their village, they urged Jesus to come and stay with them since it was almost evening. Jesus went with them, and sat down to eat with them. When He broke the bread, their eyes were opened; and they recognized Him. Then He vanished from sight.
It seems our resurrected bodies will not be limited in the same ways we are now.
Luke also tells us that Jesus appeared to Simon before appearing to the whole group of disciples.
Mark 16:14 ¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Finally, that very evening according to John, Jesus appeared to the disciples as they were eating. He chided them for their unbelief and hard hearts. He said that they should have believed those who had told them that they had seen Him. Both John and Luke tell us that He showed them the wounds in His hands, feet and side.
There is a bit of a discrepancy here since we know from John’s account that Thomas was not with the disciples the first time He appeared to them. I think that Mark is referencing the time when Thomas was with them since he is referencing Jesus appearing to “the eleven.” John notes that this was at least eight days later.
John 20:24–28 “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”
When the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen Jesus, he doubted them. He said that unless he saw for himself the nail marks in His hands and touched them and put his hand in the Lord’s side, he would not believe them.
Isn’t this a typical human reaction? We just don’t want to learn unless we do it firsthand. If we had the common sense to learn from other’s mistakes or experiences, we’d save ourselves a heap of pain and heartache. What’s more—it is always the people we should be able to trust the most that we most often refuse to heed—like our parents. Thomas had spent three years with these men and the LORD. Why would he think they would lie to him?
Even though the doors were locked, Jesus appeared and stood among them. He spoke directly to Thomas and told him to touch His wounds with his hands and put his hands in His side. Jesus basically told him to “quit doubting; believe!”
Thomas immediately recognized Jesus and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God.” I would assume that his voice had a tinge of shame mixed in with total awe and joy. Little did he know he would go down in history as “doubting Thomas.” He probably did many other very good things; yet we remember him primarily for his doubts. Scripture presents many of the disciples “warts and all” as we would say. This is more encouraging than discouraging. We can relate—and we can have hope that we aren’t hopeless.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
The risen Savior then commanded His disciples to go throughout the world—not just in Israel—and preach the gospel to everyone. All those that believed in Him and were baptized would be saved. Those that chose not to believe would be damned. Paul describes the gospel succinctly, “in a nutshell” as I’ve always heard.
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures….”
The translation of Mark’s account is worded so as to make it seem that baptism is necessary for salvation. We know that is not the case when taken in context with the rest of scripture. Salvation is the gift of God by faith through grace and baptism is the means by which one makes public declaration of that faith. I think Mark actually makes that distinction by stating that those who do not believe will be damned—not those who are not baptized.
We get a fuller perspective when reading Matthew’s account as well.
Matthew 28:18–20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Jesus reminded the disciples that the Father had given Him ALL power in heaven and earth. Knowing that, they were to go out and teach others to obey the commands of Jesus according to how He had taught them. They were to baptize people in “the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”—one God in three persons.
Then He gave them precious words of promise—“I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” That is a truth way beyond my understanding. Our God is so amazing that He can be with each one of His followers at all times—a phenomena that we call omnipresence; God is everywhere present all the time. Note that He says that He will continue to be with His followers “unto the end of the world.” The Greek for “world” includes “an age…forevermore…and world (without end).” In other words, I believe He is saying that He will be with His followers forever.
I think the LORD told His disciples that to encourage them that the authority, power and provision of Almighty God was ever with them and available to support and sustain them in their ministry—no matter their circumstances.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Jesus told them that those who believed in Him would be given special signs to attest to their faith and the truth of the message they declared. In His name, they would be able to cast out devils, speak with new tongues, hold poisonous snakes, drink poison without harm, and lay hands on the sick for healing.
It should be noted that Jesus was not declaring that all believers would be gifted to do all these signs. I believe He is saying that He would endow believers to use these signs as needed to benefit the spread of the gospel.
Mark 16:19 ¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
After giving His followers their final marching orders, the LORD Jesus was received up into heaven to take His place at the right hand of God the Father.
We know from Luke’s account in Acts that Jesus appeared to His disciples on and off for forty days before His ascension.
Acts 1:1–3 & 9 “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God….And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
The disciples did as Jesus had commanded and began to preach the gospel everywhere. The LORD worked with them by confirming their message with the signs that He had identified in verse 17-18.