GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Jesus before Pilate: Mk 15,1-15
Look at 15,1 in several translations. Can you spot an important difference between them? Note 14,53.55. Consider the role of 15,1 in the story.
What signifcant word is used as Jesus is taken to Pilate? See 10,33. See also 1,14 and 13,9.
How does the evangelist introduce Pilate? See Luke 3,2 and Mt 27,2.11.
What would "king of the Jews" in verse 2 mean to Pilate, the chief priests and early Christians? See 1,15 and also 14,61 & 15,31-32. What are we to make of Jesus' reply? See 14,62.
In verse 3, consider what the chief priests say and do not say. As for the question and answer between Pilate and Jesus in verses 4 and 5, see 14,61 and Is 53,7.
The custom of releasing a prisoner in verse 6 is unknown outside the Gospels. Why might we consider it especially appropriate at Passover time?
Verse 8 then sees the unexpected return of the crowd. What is their role here and how is it taken further in verse 11. What is Pilate's immediate reaction in verses 9 and 10?
What does the crowd then do in verse 13? What are we to make of Pilate in verse 14 and 15? Note what happens in verse 15 (look at Lk 23,16) and how the key word of verse 1 reappears in verse 15.
Look now at my response.
The scene now changes as the soldiers take over from Pilate.