“Release Barabbas!” (Mark 15:1-20)
Mark 15:1-20
This is a recap of our Bible Caller Club meeting on April 28th, 2026 over this passage. If you want to join the club and attend future meetings and study with us via phone, click here.
1. What’s happening in this passage?
In Mark 15:1-15, Jesus is delivered to Pilate, who finds no guilt in Him, and continually calls Him the “King of the Jews.” Even the Roman Governor is able to recognize Jesus’ Kingdom better than the Jewish religious leaders. The people, at the prompting of the chief priests, demand the release of Barabbas, a murderer, guilty of insurrection. Pilate notices that the religious leaders are envious of Jesus, but he releases Barabbas and turns Jesus over to receive the punishment that Barabbas would have received.
In 15:16-20, Jesus is handed over to the Romans guards who beat, slap, and spit upon Him while they mock-worship Him. Jesus remains silent as He has a purple robe put on Him. He truly is the King of the Jews, as His Kingdom is entering in just the way He had said. The last shall be first (10:31).
2. What is God revealing about humanity?
It is the same crowds who had been welcoming Jesus as King, shouting “Hosanna” (11:9) when they believed Him to be a conquering King who would destroy the Romans, who are now calling for Him to be crucified. We all, no matter how good our intentions, are guilty of denying Jesus and rebelling against His Kingdom. We are Barabbas. We are insurrectionists who have rejected the authority of the true King, all because He did not rule in the way we were wanting or expecting. We are guilty, and deserving of the same punishment Jesus received.
3. What is God revealing about Himself?
He is the true King, and His Kingdom arrives not with a sword, but with a cross. He willing submits Himself to the punishment that we deserved while we are set free. He does not revile or speak back, but silently submits in sacrifice, service, and submission, showing us what God’s Kingdom truly looks like: The last shall be first. He is mocked by those who “worship” Him without truly submitting to His Kingship.
4. How should our lives change?
We are Barabbas! We, as insurrectionists guilty of rebellion against God’s Kingdom, are allowed to go free because of the sacrifice of Jesus taking our place. We owe Him true worship, not mock worship, because of what He has done for us. He has humbled Himself to the lowest point, which means He deserves the highest glory.
