Jesus Accused by Chief Priests and Scribesby CBPepper
15:5Mark 15:5
But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
Mark 15:5 belongs to the trial before Pilate in his judgment-hall, before Jesus is led out from Pilate's hall toward Calvary. At the scene Jesus stands bound as a prisoner among soldiers and filling spectators, while the priests, rulers, elders and mob remain outside to avoid ceremonial defilement before the Passover. They are blind to the murderous hatred defiling their own hearts and to Christ as the real Passover lamb. Pilate comes hastily from rest intending quick and severe action and looks at first with no friendly eyes, then studies Jesus and finds in him no guilt, fear, boldness or defiance but goodness, nobility, calm and dignified bearing marked by heaven.
The sight makes a favorable impression on Pilate and rouses his better nature, as he remembers what he heard of cures of the sick and raisings of the dead, what his wife told him of the Galilean prophet, and rumors from several sources. He resolves on seeing this to demand the charges against the prisoner. It is part of the condemnation and humiliation in which the crowd that had hailed Jesus as king turns against him and cries for his crucifixion. He had prepared his disciples for this ordeal so that the rejection does not take them by surprise or make their faith depend on changing popular opinion.
Jesus answers nothing and remains silent despite the many accusations against him, even when Pilate urges and challenges him to answer. The accusations are false and are pressed amid noise, excitement, fury and the uproar of the crowd, which contrasts with his noble appearance and quiet manner. His silence expresses conscious innocence and steadfastness, in that accusation and abuse do not provoke retaliation or disturb him. His bearing is dignified, calm, self-possessed, good and noble, and his serenity amid suffering shows a character unlike that of an ordinary man.
As before his accusers, so before Herod his silence and calm submission to indignity speak conviction more powerfully than words. Pilate is perplexed, amazed and astonished, and marvels at Jesus and his bearing. Pilate sees no evidence of crime and no sign that Jesus is seditious, does not trust the priests' charges, becomes convinced of his innocence and doubts that he is unjust, while hoping to learn the truth from him. The silence together with the calm bearing wins Pilate deep respect.
Mark 15:5 belongs to the trial before Pilate in his judgment-hall, before Jesus is led out from Pilate's hall toward Calvary. At the scene Jesus stands bound as a prisoner among soldiers and filling spectators, while the priests, rulers, elders and mob remain outside to avoid ceremonial defilement before the Passover. They are blind to the murderous hatred defiling their own hearts and to Christ as the real Passover lamb. Pilate comes hastily from rest intending quick and severe action and looks at first with no friendly eyes, then studies Jesus and finds in him no guilt, fear, boldness or defiance but goodness, nobility, calm and dignified bearing marked by heaven.
The sight makes a favorable impression on Pilate and rouses his better nature, as he remembers what he heard of cures of the sick and raisings of the dead, what his wife told him of the Galilean prophet, and rumors from several sources. He resolves on seeing this to demand the charges against the prisoner. It is part of the condemnation and humiliation in which the crowd that had hailed Jesus as king turns against him and cries for his crucifixion. He had prepared his disciples for this ordeal so that the rejection does not take them by surprise or make their faith depend on changing popular opinion.
Jesus answers nothing and remains silent despite the many accusations against him, even when Pilate urges and challenges him to answer. The accusations are false and are pressed amid noise, excitement, fury and the uproar of the crowd, which contrasts with his noble appearance and quiet manner. His silence expresses conscious innocence and steadfastness, in that accusation and abuse do not provoke retaliation or disturb him. His bearing is dignified, calm, self-possessed, good and noble, and his serenity amid suffering shows a character unlike that of an ordinary man.
As before his accusers, so before Herod his silence and calm submission to indignity speak conviction more powerfully than words. Pilate is perplexed, amazed and astonished, and marvels at Jesus and his bearing. Pilate sees no evidence of crime and no sign that Jesus is seditious, does not trust the priests' charges, becomes convinced of his innocence and doubts that he is unjust, while hoping to learn the truth from him. The silence together with the calm bearing wins Pilate deep respect.