The Crowd, the Cross, and the King (Mark 15:6–24)
In Mark 15:6–24, we see some of the most intense moments in the story of Jesus’ final hours before the crucifixion. This part of the Bible shows how an innocent man was rejected by the crowd, condemned by the government, and nailed to a cross—all for the sake of others.
A Choice Between Jesus and Barabbas
Every year during the Passover feast, the Roman governor Pilate had a tradition: he would release one prisoner that the people asked for. At this time, there was a well-known prisoner named Barabbas. He had taken part in a rebellion and committed murder.
Pilate offered the crowd a choice—should he release Jesus, who had done nothing wrong, or Barabbas, a known criminal? Pilate knew the religious leaders were jealous of Jesus, and that’s why they brought Him in. He probably hoped the crowd would choose to set Jesus free.
But the religious leaders stirred up the people to ask for Barabbas instead.
“Crucify Him!”
Pilate asked, “What do you want me to do with Jesus?” The crowd shouted, “Crucify Him!” Pilate didn’t see a reason to kill Jesus, but he gave in to the pressure. He wanted to keep the crowd happy, so he ordered Jesus to be whipped and then crucified.
Even though Pilate had the power to set Jesus free, he chose comfort and approval over justice.
Mocked Like a Fake King
After the decision was made, the soldiers took Jesus away. They mocked Him cruelly. They dressed Him in a purple robe, put a crown made of thorns on His head, and sarcastically called Him the “king of the Jews.” They hit Him and spit on Him. They didn’t understand who He really was—a true King, full of love and mercy.
Then they led Him out to be crucified.
The Journey to the Cross
As Jesus was taken to the place where He would be crucified (called Golgotha), He was so weak from the beating that He couldn’t carry His cross all the way. So the soldiers forced a man named Simon of Cyrene to carry it for Him.
Once they reached Golgotha, they nailed Jesus to the cross. The soldiers even cast lots—like rolling dice—to divide up His clothes, showing no respect for the one dying before them.
What This Means for Us
This part of the story shows the depth of human brokenness and the greatness of God’s love. Jesus was rejected by the crowd, betrayed by leaders, and crucified like a criminal. But He went through it all willingly. He didn’t fight back because He was taking on the punishment for sin—not His own, but ours.
It’s painful to read, but it reminds us that God’s love is real and costly. Jesus didn’t just talk about love—He proved it by going to the cross.
Final Thought
In a world that often chooses power over truth, popularity over justice, and noise over quiet faith, Jesus stood firm in love. Mark 15:6–24 reminds us that God’s plan of salvation came through suffering—but it ended in victory. And it’s a victory that’s offered freely to all who believe.
Mark 15:6-24 (WEB)
15:6 Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whomever they asked of him. 7 There was one called Barabbas, bound with his fellow insurgents, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. 8 The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. 9 Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead. 12 Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”13 They cried out again, “Crucify him!”14 Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?”But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!”15 Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified.16 The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort. 17 They clothed him with purple; and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 They began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 They struck his head with a reed and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him. 20 When they had mocked him, they took the purple cloak off him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him.21 They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them that he might bear his cross. 22 They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, “The place of a skull.” 23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it.24 Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take.