EVERY TRIAL HAS A LESSON: LEARN HOW BENEFIT FROM IT!
There is irony in every fiery trial we face.
Standing at the crossroads of every choice is a decision that could change your life.
Life is full of unexpected trials and twists and turns, but how they affect us often depends on our perspective, how we see things, and the choices we make because of how we view them.
How do you see your trials? How do you make decisions? Do you flip a coin, roll the dice, or pull a card?
Welcome back! This is part 12 of our 13-part series. We are studying the Book of Mark.
In Mark 14, we enter a dramatic week, the final days before Jesus’ crucifixion.
This chapter isn’t just a day-by-day account; it’s a moment-by-moment unfolding of choices, twists, and turns, each packed with consequences.
So, please stay and continue this journey with us.
But, before we begin, as always, let’s Pray.
Inviting God’s Presence.
Holy Father, at every crossroads, give us the wisdom to make the right choice and the ability to learn even from our mistakes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 12)
Tried and Crucified
Part 1 Introduction
The irony found in life’s twists and turns often shows us how God’s ways and plans differ from ours.
In life, we might anticipate success through strength or strategy, but God often leads us to victory through weakness or humility.
The very things we try to avoid—trials, challenges, or setbacks—can become the tools God uses to shape us, deepen our faith, and bring about a greater purpose.
What might appear to be a setback can be God positioning us for a greater comeback.
Through irony, God reminds us that His wisdom far succeeds our human understanding, and His plans are always for our ultimate good, even when they seem contrary to our expectations.
Moreover, where you stand—whether in faith, doubt, or fear—can shape how you respond to life’s decisions.
This is the case with the key decision-makers related to Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.
The irony is that what the devil meant for evil, God turns into good.
Mark 15 is the center of the Passion Narrative, which refers to the biblical accounts of the events leading up to and including Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death.
These events are primarily detailed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament.
The narrative covers several key events, such as Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his betrayal by Judas, his trial before Pontius Pilate, his crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.
In Mark 15, we find Jesus in the middle of a court trial that leads to a decision that will change the course of Earth’s history and the lives of everyone who has ever lived on it.
This chapter provides intricate details about the day Jesus was mocked, sentenced to death, nailed to a cross, and then buried; the irony of it all is that three days later, he rises from the dead.
It’s a day full of ironic events, which means they turn out very different than anyone had expected.
Irony happens when things have a double meaning or outcome that doesn’t match up.
Irony often contains three components:
(1) two levels of meaning,
(2) the two levels are in conflict or difference from each other, and
(3) the person or persons do not see the irony. They do not recognize what is happening, and they do not know that they are the ones who will suffer the consequences.
For example, when Jesus, who did no wrong, is treated like a criminal, that’s irony.
Here’s how irony plays out in Mark 15:
- Pilate’s Question: Pilate, the Roman governor, asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews. Jesus confirms, but ironically, Pilate doesn’t grasp the full truth of Jesus’ kingship.
- The Laughing Soldiers: The soldiers mock Jesus by calling Him “King” and dressing Him up in a purple robe, not realizing that He truly is the King of all.
- The Sign Above the Cross: The sign that reads “King of the Jews” is meant to be a joke, but it speaks a profound truth about who Jesus is. (Pause)
- The Mocking Leaders: The Jewish leaders mock Jesus, saying He saved others but, He couldn’t save Himself. The irony is that by not saving Himself, He is actually saving the world.
These ironies in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion reveal deep truths about who Jesus is and what He came to do.
Jesus’ death wasn’t a defeat; it was His victory over sin and death, a victory that He offers to share with us.
Another example of irony is found in Mark 15:34:
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is translated, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ ” (Mark 15:34, NKJV).
The irony is that when Jesus says, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ ”
God had not left Him; He was right there with Him all the time.
However, Jesus had taken on the weight of humanity’s sin, experiencing the separation from God that sin brings so that through His sacrifice, we humans could be reconciled with God.
In other words, things aren’t always what they seem.
Ironies reveal greater truths, and they help us see the hidden blessings in the challenges we face.
Learn to see the irony by looking not just on the surface but below the surface so that you may see the bigger picture.
Thus, we look deeper into Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection to discover the true meaning and hope hidden beneath the surface.
The Jewish religious leaders, the chief priest, and the scribes deliver Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Governor of Judea. What is ironic about this? Read Mark 15:1-15
Then continue to Part 2: Are You the King of the Jews?
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 12)
Tried and Crucified
Part 2: Are You the King of the Jews
Unfolding in ancient Jerusalem was a dramatic series of events described in Mark 15:1–15.
Here, we encounter Jesus, brought before Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, from A.D. 26-A.D. 36.
He is known for his harsh leadership. Some of his terrible actions caused dread among the people of the land.
Luke confirms his terrible actions in Luke 13:1, saying
1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. (Luke 13:1).
He was known for mingling Galileans’ blood with sacrifices.
This sounds horrible! He killed Galilean Jews and mingled their blood with their sacrifices.
Because the Jews were under Roman rule, in most cases, they could not execute people.
Therefore, Pilate faces a decision instigated by the Jews, accusing Jesus of claiming to be the King of the Jews.
The title ” King of the Jews” has divine implications, for the Messiah is God’s appointed King.
In the Old Testament times, the people of Israel anointed (or poured oil on) their kings to show they were chosen by God.
Because of this, the title “Messiah,” which means “Anointed One,” could easily be misunderstood as someone claiming to be a king in competition with the emperor. This is why, when Jesus was brought before the Jewish leaders, they accused Him of blasphemy (disrespecting God).
The charge against Jesus when brought before Pilate is not mentioned, but based on the brief interrogation in which Pilate asks Jesus: “ ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ ” (Mark 15:2, ESV)
It is evident that when He was taken to the Roman governor, the charge was changed from blasphemy to sedition (rebelling against authority), which was a crime punishable by death.
The irony is that Jesus is both the Messiah (the Anointed One) and the King of the Jews.
Of course, the conviction of blasphemy and sedition against Jesus are false accusations.
He instead deserved homage and worship. Despite this, Jesus still behaves in a kingly manner.
When Pilate asks Him if He is the King of the Jews, Jesus replies, “You have said so” (Mark 15:2, ESV).
His answer is noncommittal; he neither denies the title nor confirms the title.
Actually, He is a king but not the sort of king that Pilate or others presumed.
This is more evident in John 18:33-39 in which John records Pilate’s interrogation of Jesus.
The book Story of Redemption indicates that at Jesus’ trial: Jesus had many sympathizers in the company about Him, and His answering nothing to the many questions put to Him amazed the crowd.
Under all the mockery and violence of the mob, not a frown, not a troubled expression, rested upon His features.
He was dignified and composed. The spectators looked upon Him with wonder. They compared His perfect form and firm dignified bearing with the appearance of those who sat in judgment against Him, and they said to one another that He appeared more like a king than any of the rulers…
Even Herod and Pilate were greatly troubled at His noble, Godlike bearing.—The Story of Redemption, p. 216.
Mark 15:6 introduces into the narrative a custom of releasing a prisoner at the time of the Passover Feast.
6 Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. (Mark 15:6)
So, in Mark 15:9, Pilate asks if they want him to release the “ ‘King of the Jews.’ ”
Though Pilate might have meant this ironically, the irony is really playing out against him.
Mark 15:9, 10 indicates that Pilate perceives that the religious leaders turned over Jesus to him because of envy.
They accused Jesus of blasphemy before the Jewish court, but they accused Him of rebellion against Rome before Pilate, a charge that could result in the death penalty.
But Pilate did not see that they were using him by having him ask the crowd what they would have him do with Jesus.
Pilate plays right into their hands. They manipulate him into presenting the crowd with the choice of releasing Jesus or Barabbas, a criminal.
Pilate senses Jesus’ innocence, and he is aware of the Jews’ jealousy, but he is caught in a dilemma.
The Jewish leaders stirred up the crowd, and the crowd called for the release of Barabas and the crucifixion of Jesus.
Pilate, the Roman king, flinches, knowing that the crucifixion was a terrible way to die, particularly for one he considered innocent.
But despite his authority and influence, he allowed the crowd to sway him to carry out their wishes.
Deciding to satisfy the crowd, he chose position and power over justice and righteousness.
This story is filled with ironies. Pilate, the governor who could order executions, seeks to save Jesus, while the Jewish leaders, who should be His protectors, insist on His crucifixion.
Jesus, innocent and noble, stands composed amidst false accusations, embodying royal dignity far surpassing those who judge Him.
Even as Pilate’s wife receives a divine warning through a dream, stressing Jesus’ innocence and divine nature, Pilate hesitates, torn between his conscience and his role as king.
Pilate’s choice, driven by fear and public opinion, led him to do a grave injustice.
This challenges us to consider how often our decisions, especially those made to please others or out of fear, can lead to unintended and far-reaching consequences.
Every decision shapes not just our lives but the lives of those around us.
It says in Early Writings: Satan and his angels were tempting Pilate and trying to lead him on to his own ruin. They suggested to him that if he did not take part in condemning Jesus others would; the multitude were thirsting for His blood; and if he did not deliver Him to be crucified, he would lose his power and worldly honor and would be denounced as a believer on the impostor. Through fear of losing his power and authority, Pilate consented to the death of Jesus. And notwithstanding he placed the blood of Jesus upon His accusers, and the multitude received it, crying, “His blood be on us, and on our children,” yet Pilate was not clear; he was guilty of the blood of Christ. For his own selfish interest, his love of honor from the great men of earth, he delivered an innocent man to die. If Pilate had followed his own convictions, he would have had nothing to do with condemning Jesus.—Early Writings, p. 174.
Like Pilate, we might face moments where our choices are between siding with what is right or following the crowd.
The irony of it all is that, however small our choices may seem, we potentially hold the power to change courses, lives, and histories.
Mark 15:15-20 is also filled with irony. See if you can identify the irony in Mark 15:15-20. Share your findings in the comment section.
Then, View the next segment of this video, Part 3: Hail King of the Jews
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 12)
Tried and Crucified
Part 3: Hail King of the Jews
What we see on the surface isn’t always the whole truth. Here, we observe the truth hidden beneath the surface. What’s happening is far bigger than what anyone realizes.
Mark 15:15- 20 describes a traumatizing day for Jesus.
It starts with a brutal punishment. The Romans, who are in charge, have a brutal way of treating prisoners before they are executed.
It says in the Desire of Ages:
Jesus was taken, faint with weariness and covered with wounds, and scourged in the sight of the multitude. “And the soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium, and they call together the whole band.
And they clothed Him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they . . . did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshiped Him.” Occasionally some wicked hand snatched the reed that had been placed in His hand, and struck the crown upon His brow, forcing the thorns into His temples, and sending the blood trickling down His face and beard. . . .
Satan led the cruel mob in its abuse of the Saviour. It was his purpose to provoke Him to retaliation if possible, or to drive Him to perform a miracle to release Himself, and thus break up the plan of salvation.—The Desire of Ages, p. 734.
So, they strip Jesus of His clothes, tie Him up, and beat Him with whips that have sharp objects like stones, glass, bones, and nails tied to them.
The beating was intended to weaken Him before He was placed on the cross.
After this painful punishment, they don’t stop. The soldiers responsible for his execution continue to humiliate him by dressing Him.
A battalion is a group of soldiers, and in this case, it consists of 200 to 600 men.
Indicative of royalty, these soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple robe and put a crown made of thorns on His head.
Then, they pretend to honor Him as the “King of the Jews,” but really, they are making fun of Him.
They hit Him, spit on Him, and mockingly kneel before Him, pretending to worship Him.
All this time, Jesus stays quiet. He doesn’t react to their insults or show any pain outwardly.
Do you notice the irony here?
Because this is being told after the fact, we see the irony. We know that Jesus is King.
The soldiers, who think they are just making fun of another prisoner, call Jesus king as a joke.
But what they don’t realize is that they are actually proclaiming truth—Jesus really is the King, not just of the Jews, but of everyone.
This is a deep truth that they don’t see. The soldiers made fun of Jesus by greeting him as if he were a Roman emperor, saying, “Hail, Caesar, Emperor!”
They were comparing him to the emperor, but they were not serious about it, not knowing how true their words are.
Another part of Roman punishment is to humiliate and completely shame the person.
So, they make prisoners carry their own cross naked to the place where they will be executed.
They are forced to carry their cross exposed and humiliated in front of everyone.
But because showing nudity is against Jewish customs, they hated public nakedness.
Therefore, they put Jesus’ own clothes back on Him for this part of His journey.
It is assumed that the Romans allowed the Jews to have their way in this situation.
This story of Jesus’ suffering is full of irony. The soldiers think they are dishonoring a regular man, but in reality, they are unknowingly declaring His true kingship.
Their actions, meant to degrade, actually fulfill ancient predictions about who Jesus is and what He came to do.
Their act of bowing and pretending to honor Jesus as King was just to mock him, even though Jesus truly is King—not just for the Jews, but for the Romans as well.
When things in life don’t make sense or seem unfair, there might be a bigger picture unfolding that we can’t see yet.
Here, we learn that even in our most difficult moments, there could be a greater purpose at work, leading to a victory we might not yet realize and understand.
Seek to look for the deeper meaning in your challenges, holding onto faith that there’s more to your stories than the pain you might see right now.
Mark 15:21-38 speaks of more terrible and painful irony. Read Mark 15:21-38 to see if you can identify those ironies. Put your findings in the comment section to help other viewers.
Then, Continue to the next segment of this video, Part 4: The Crucifixion.
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 12)
Tried and Crucified
Part 4: The Crucifixion
At this point, Jesus, who had healed the sick and preached powerful messages, was a silent victim.
Weak and exhausted from the beatings, He is now under the control of those who are determined to see him dead.
The soldiers had not given Him food or let Him sleep.
He was so tired that He couldn’t even carry His own cross.
According to Mark 15:21, they forced Simon, who was passing by, to carry it for Him.
21 They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross. (Mark 15:21)
Thus, although Jesus was strong and traveled throughout the land to teach, the harsh treatment, not having enough food, and not getting any rest made him very weak.
He became so weak that someone else had to carry His cross for Him.
Up until his arrest, Jesus was always in charge of what was happening.
But after his arrest, things changed. Others were making decisions about him.
When they reached the place where He would be crucified, the soldiers stripped Jesus of His clothes.
These clothes became their reward, and they gambled by casting lots to see who would get them, just as the Bible had predicted in Psalm 22:18:
18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. (Psalm 22:18)
The Crucifixion was primarily a bloodless method of execution.
Nails, according to John 20:24-29 were used to fasten a person to the cross.
It was a slow and painful death in which the nails, it is believed, were driven not through the palms of the hand but through the wrists, below the palm where no major blood vessels run.
In both Hebrew and Greek, the word for “hand” refers to both the hand and the forearm.
Moreover, the palms of the hands couldn’t support the weight of a body.
To understand the pain Jesus experienced, there is a peripheral nerve in the arm called the median nerve; it controls movement and feeling in the hand and wrist.
The nail driven in Jesus crushed the median nerve, causing excruciating pain.
To breathe, a person had to push up on the nails in their feet, making each breath painful.
Hence, choking was one of the possible causes of death for many.
As Jesus hung on the cross, he received considerable mockery and humiliation.
Mark in Mark 15:31 records the chief priest and scribes saying:
31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. (Mark 15:31).
As a side note, the study guide points out that In the Gospel of Mark, there’s a recurring theme where Jesus often asks people not to tell others about His true identity.
Because of this, names that describe Him as divine, such as “Lord,” “Son of God,” or “Christ,” are not used very much throughout the book.
This helps to keep Jesus’ identity a bit of a secret until the right time.
This changes when Jesus is on the cross; then, His true identity can no longer be hidden.
Interestingly, it’s the religious leaders who use these special titles to mock Jesus.
By doing this, they are actually bringing judgment on themselves without realizing it.
This is where the irony becomes clear. To make their point about His helplessness on the cross, they indicate that He did help others, meaning “save,” “heal,” or “rescue” in Greek.
Thus, ironically, they admit He is the Savior. Jesus had indeed saved others—He had healed the sick, cast out demons, and even raised the dead.
But the ultimate irony is that by not saving Himself, Jesus was saving others. Through His sacrifice, He offered salvation to everyone who would believe in Him.
Even as He suffered, Jesus did something amazing. Instead of striking out or retaliating, He prayed for the very people who were punishing Him.
He said, in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
This prayer wasn’t just for the soldiers and the crowd—it was for every person throughout earth’s history, all of us.
Jesus endured the greatest pain and suffering any human can experience, not because He was weak but because He chose to save us.
The decisions He made on that cross have long-term effects on our salvation.
The decisions we make today also have lasting consequences, not just for ourselves but for others as well.
We should choose wisely and let Jesus’ example guide us. His love and sacrifice show us the true meaning of strength and grace.
On the Cross, Jesus suffers in excruciating pain; in Mark 15:33-41, Jesus cries out to his father.
Interestingly, here, Mark only records Jesus’ final words just before he dies. What does Jesus say, and what are their implications for us? Read Mark 15:33-41
Then, continue to the next segment of this video: Part 5: Forsaken by God
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 12)
Tried and Crucified
Part 5: Forsaken by God
As a kid, I did not like the darkness, and I am not too crazy about it now.
But suppose you were standing in complete darkness, not for a moment, but for hours.
This is what happened when Jesus was on the cross. Jesus’ time of darkness tells a story of love, compassion, and sacrifice.
Let’s journey through these moments and see what the darkness during the last moment of Jesus’ life means to us.
The Gospel of Mark describes the cross as a very dark place. It was sad and gloomy in both a real and deep emotional sense.
For three long hours, there was total darkness.
This supernatural darkness lasted from about noon that Friday until about 3:00 p.m.
Mark 15:33 says:
33 Now when the sixth hour [12:00 noon] had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour [3:00 p.m].
During this darkness, Jesus prays, crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He asks God why He has left Him alone.
These words are quotes from a song or poem, Psalm 22:1, which talks about a person suffering but still trusting and relying on God.
1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? (Psalms 22:1)
Mark’s additional references to this psalm in Mark 15:24 and 29 indicate that this scripture is being fulfilled in Jesus’s death.
In fact, God’s will is being fulfilled even in the evil plotting of the men who had Jesus executed.
Jesus’ words on the cross were spoken in the Aramaic language Eloi, Eloi.” These words show deep pain and are also a connection to God’s promises.
Now, some standing at the foot of the cross misunderstood him, thinking he was calling for the prophet Elijah, but he was expressing his deep agony and fulfillment of prophecy.
It would be easy to mistake Jesus’ call for the Father as His calling for Elijah, “My God is YHWH,” which sounds very similar. Hence some of the bystanders make this mistake.
35 When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Behold, He is calling for Elijah.” (Mark 15:35)
His death isn’t the end but a fulfillment of what he started when he was baptized, as recorded in Mark 1:9-11, which marked the beginning of his mission.
The prophet Daniel had predicted this time in Daniel 9:24-27, pointing to an end of the old sacrifices.
24 “Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy.
25 “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.
26 “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.” (Daniel 9:24-27)
Jesus’ sacrifice changed everything!
Jesus begins His ministry in Mark 1, as prophesied in Daniel 9:24–27.
What occurs in Mark 15 at the cross is the culmination or climax of His ministry.
Mark 10:45 interjects that on the cross, Jesus dies as a ransom for many.
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45).
The death of Jesus on the cross also fulfills part of the prophecy of Daniel 9:24–27.
Mark 15:38 says that when Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom.
38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mark 15:38)
This signified the fulfillment of the sacrificial system. It indicated the end of the old system of sacrificial offerings and the start of a new path to God through the blood of Jesus.
Even in his darkest moments, surrounded by evil, Jesus was completing a beautiful plan.
This shows us that no matter how dark it gets, God’s plans are always at work.
Every pain Jesus felt, every drop of blood he shed, speaks to us. It says, “This is for you.”
Ellen White writes that Jesus endured all this to break the power of death and open the way to eternal life.
He did miracles, calmed storms, healed the sick, and even raised the dead.
Now, he offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice for us all, taking on our sins (The Story of Redemption, p. 225).
When the temple veil tore, it was a clear sign. The old sacrifices were done. Jesus’ death brought a new and better way to the Father.
A heavenly connection is now open to all.
But those stuck in old ways missed out, continuing rituals that were no longer needed (Early Writings, p. 259).
Reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice reminds us that the darkness he faced lights our way.
He turns the darkest night into the brightest day. We can hold onto this truth, trusting in God’s plan even when things seem uncertain.
Let us stay connected to God’s word—it’s our surest guide until Jesus returns.
We are reminded that:
Good angels actively play a role in God’s plan for His earthly kingdom.
It is God’s purpose to carry forward His work in correct lines, in ways that will advance His glory.
But Satan is ever trying to counterwork God’s purpose…Therefore, never are we to depend on their own efforts or on outward display for success. . .
As a people, we do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. . . . The written Word is our only safety. We must pray … pray as you have never prayed before.—Ellen G. White Comments, in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1173.
We must pray so that when hard times hit us, we do not run away like all of Jesus’ disciples did when he needed them the most.
The Irony is that God always has a ram in the bush, a backup plan, Joseph of Arimathea.
Despite Jesus’ disciples abandoning him, how did Joseph of Arimathea intervene on Jesus’ behalf? Read Mark 15:42–47
Then, continue to the next segment of this video, Part 6: Laid to Rest
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 12)
Tried and Crucified
Part 6: Laid to Rest
Brave acts of kindness shine brightly after a great tragedy. This is seen in the touching moments after Jesus’ death.
After Jesus was crucified, a respected and rich man named Joseph from Arimathea, who was part of the Jewish council known as the Sanhedrin, stepped forward.
While many of Jesus’ followers were absent at this critical moment, when it became necessary for Jesus to be buried, what happened next is quite touching spiritually and extremely important historically.
Joseph bravely goes to Pilate, the Roman governor, to ask for Jesus’ body.
This courageous act is touching because it shows his deep respect and love for Jesus. It is his first and last appearance in the Gospel of Mark.
He was a respected member of the Sanhedrin and considered one of the city’s elite.
Because he was wealthy and respected, he had influence with the governor.
This is why he was able to bravely approach Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body.
What’s ironic and especially moving is that someone from the Jewish council cared so much about Jesus to ensure He had a proper burial.
One historical detail of extreme importance here is the verification of Jesus’s death.
In Mark 15:53, we see Joseph requesting the boy of Jesus.
43 Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. (Mark 15:53)
In Mark 15:44, we discover that Pilate is surprised to hear that Jesus is already dead and asks the centurion, the chief soldier, to confirm this.
44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. (Mark 15:44)
The centurion’s report that Jesus had indeed died dispels any false claims that Jesus did not die on the cross but only fainted.
The centurion’s report is crucial because it confirms that the Romans, who were skilled at execution, had completed their horrific job.
Joseph then took a linen sheet, called a shroud, to wrap Jesus’ body and placed Him in a tomb carved from rock, big enough for a man to walk in according to Mark 16:5.
This tomb was initially meant for Joseph himself, but he gave it to Jesus, showing great generosity and reverence for Jesus.
Mark 15:47 notes that Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, witnessed where Jesus was laid.
These two, along with Salome, watched Jesus’ Crucifixion from a distance, and they now witnessed his burial.
These same three women play a pivotal role as the first witnesses of His resurrection.
All three go to the tomb on Sunday morning with the intention of completing their work of embalming Jesus.
Thus Mark 16:1 says:
1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. (Mark 16:1)
These women, therefore, were witnesses to the empty tomb and they became important witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus.
Ellen White points out that In this time of need, not only Joseph but also Nicodemus and John came to help. They took Jesus down from the cross, cared for his body, and laid him in the tomb with their own hands, grieving deeply as they did so. They showed their devotion through this final act of service (The Desire of Ages, pp. 772-774).
What’s ironic is that most of Jesus’ followers are “missing in action” while a member of the Sanhedrin, the very group that condemned Him, becomes the “hero” here.
While all seemed dark, God was still at work. The evil plans of men unwittingly fulfilled God’s greater plan.
Even in such trials, God’s faithfulness shines through, showing that even in the darkest times, faith can still see beyond the present troubles to the eternal promises of God (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 574-575).
The twist in this story is that Joseph of Arimathea, a man of influence and wealth, a Sanhedrin, used what he had to bury the one whom the Sanhedrins had condemned to death.
It shows us the power of stepping up when others step back. As we remember his courage, we also look at the devotion of the women who were last at the cross and first at the tomb. This also speaks volumet about not judging outward appearances.
The irony is that God often uses the least likely to do a powerful work for him. Seek to see the irony in your story, and learn to make the right choice during your setbacks so that God can use them for a greater comeback.
Thank you for sharing your time with me.
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Hebron Seventh-day Adventist Church
7902 Wheatly Street
Houston, TX 77088
hebrontx.adventistchurch.org
Watch Past and Present Lessons at SabbathSchoolDaily.com
