Mark 15

Mark 15 is the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It recounts the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Key events described in this chapter include:

• Jesus Before Pilate: Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who questions him. The Jewish leaders accuse Jesus of blasphemy and sedition.

• Pilate's Dilemma: Pilate recognizes Jesus' innocence but is pressured by the crowd, instigated by the chief priests, to condemn him. Pilate offers the crowd the choice to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. The crowd chooses Barabbas.

• The Condemnation and Mocking: Pilate yields to the crowd's demands and sentences Jesus to be crucified. Roman soldiers mock Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head and striking him.

• The Crucifixion: Jesus is led to Golgotha (the place of the skull) and crucified. Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross. The inscription "The King of the Jews" is placed above Jesus. He is crucified alongside two criminals.

• Jesus' Death: Jesus cries out in agony and dies on the cross. The temple curtain is torn in two. A Roman centurion witnesses the event and proclaims Jesus to be the Son of God.

• The Burial: Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, requests Jesus' body from Pilate and places it in a tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph witness the burial.

Mark 15 is a crucial chapter in the Passion narrative, highlighting themes of betrayal, injustice, suffering, sacrifice, and the divinity of Jesus.