Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Tried by Gentiles

Bryan Schneider · February 24, 2024

Mark 15:1-15

sharonrpc.org/sermons/tried-by-gentiles

Summary

Jesus, the King of Kings, stands silently before Pilate while the chief priests multiply accusations and manipulate the crowd into demanding his crucifixion.
Pilate knows Jesus was handed over because of envy and can name no evil he has done, yet he sacrifices justice to political self-preservation and public pressure.
The repeated idea of being delivered or betrayed links Judas, the religious leaders, Pilate, and Isaiah's declaration that the Lord laid our iniquity upon the suffering servant.
What appears to be history's darkest miscarriage of justice unfolds within God's saving plan: the spotless Lamb willingly suffers and dies so sinners may have peace with God and life in him.
Because Jesus is the true King who reigns over rulers, suffering, sin, and death, believers must reject political idolatry, name injustice truthfully, and trust God's providence in their darkest hours.

Why does Jesus remain silent when both the chief priests and Pilate press him to answer their accusations?
Where do envy, fear of losing power, and desire to satisfy the crowd distort justice in Mark 15:1-15?
How does the repeated language of delivering or betraying Jesus reveal both human guilt and God's saving purpose?
What does Barabbas's release in place of the innocent Jesus help us see about Christ dying for sinners?
When have political promises or fears tempted me to give a ruler the trust and loyalty that belong only to Jesus?
How can Christ's willing suffering help me trust God's plan during illness, family trouble, financial pressure, or persistent struggles with sin?
What present injustice should I name truthfully while still remembering that God remains sovereign?

King of Kings: Jesus' true royal identity, which remains unchanged while Pilate and the chief priests appear to exercise political power over him.
Silent Lamb: Jesus willingly refusing to defend himself before his accusers as the spotless sacrifice who would bear his people's iniquities.
Paradidomi: The Greek word highlighted in the sermon for delivering or betraying Jesus, used of Judas, the Jewish leaders, Pilate, and the Lord's giving him for our sins.
Miscarriage of justice: The prejudged and politically manipulated condemnation of an innocent man whom Pilate himself could not identify as guilty of evil.
Providence: God's wise rule over rulers, painful events, and apparent disorder so that even wicked actions serve his saving plan without becoming morally good.