Mark 15-16

Mark 15-16

Mark Chapter 15: Trial, Crucifixion, and Burial
Chapter 15 of the Gospel of Mark details the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, His crucifixion, and His burial.
Jesus Before Pilate: After Jesus' arrest, He is brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus but finds no reason to charge Him. However, to appease the crowd and religious leaders, Pilate agrees to release a prisoner during the Passover feast and offers them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal. The crowd demands the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.
Scourging and Mockery: Jesus is brutally scourged, mocked, and crowned with thorns by the Roman soldiers. They ridicule Him, dress Him in a purple robe, and repeatedly strike Him.
The Crucifixion: Jesus is led to Golgotha (the Place of the Skull) and crucified between two criminals. Darkness covers the land from noon to 3 PM. As Jesus hangs on the cross, bystanders taunt Him, challenging Him to save Himself. He dies with a loud cry, and the temple curtain is torn in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
The Burial: Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, obtains permission from Pilate to take Jesus' body down from the cross and place it in a tomb. He wraps the body in a linen cloth and seals the tomb with a large stone.

Mark Chapter 16: Resurrection and Great Commission
Chapter 16 of the Gospel of Mark narrates the resurrection of Jesus and His subsequent appearances.
The Empty Tomb: Early on the first day of the week (Sunday), several women, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, go to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices. To their astonishment, they find the stone rolled away and an angel inside the tomb who announces that Jesus has risen from the dead.
The Commission to Preach: The angel instructs the women to tell the disciples, particularly Peter, that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. Overwhelmed with fear and amazement, the women flee and initially say nothing to anyone.
Appearances of Jesus: Later, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, who delivers the angel's message to the disciples. He also appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, revealing His identity during a meal. Finally, Jesus commissions His disciples to preach the Gospel to all creation, promising that those who believe and are baptized will be saved.
Mark's Gospel concludes with the disciples spreading the message, accompanied by signs and wonders. While some manuscripts end abruptly at verse 8 with the women's fear and silence, others include additional verses describing Jesus' appearances and the disciples' response to His commission.