Mark 15:12 - Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
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What does "Mark 15:12" mean?
Mark 15:12 records Pilate's second attempt to release Jesus. He had already asked them if they wanted him to release the "King of the Jews" as a Passover custom (Mark 15:9). However, the crowd, incited by the chief priests, demanded that he release Barabbas instead.
Verse 12 reveals Pilate's continued reluctance to condemn Jesus. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"Pilate again asked them...": This highlights that Pilate is persisting in his attempt to avoid crucifying Jesus. He is making another appeal to the crowd's potential sense of justice or mercy.
"What then should I do...": Pilate is directly asking the crowd for instructions on what to do with Jesus. He is essentially handing the responsibility of the decision over to them. This shows his desire to avoid making the judgment himself, likely because he doesn't believe Jesus deserves execution.
"...to him whom you call the King of the Jews?": This is a key phrase. Pilate is reminding the crowd that they are the ones who initially used this title for Jesus. He is subtly pointing out the irony of their situation: they are now demanding the death of the person they previously hailed as their king. By using this title, Pilate also potentially hints at the political implications of crucifying someone claiming to be a king. He is essentially asking them, "Are you sure you want to condemn a potential leader or symbol of Jewish identity in this way?"
In summary, Mark 15:12 underscores Pilate's hesitation to crucify Jesus, his attempt to shift responsibility to the crowd, and the irony of their demanding the death of someone they once hailed as their king. It sets the stage for the crowd's ultimate answer and the subsequent events leading to Jesus's crucifixion. It also highlights Pilate's political maneuvering and his attempt to avoid a potentially volatile situation.
Mark 15:12 - Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
What does "Mark 15:12" mean?
Mark 15:12 records Pilate's second attempt to release Jesus. He had already asked them if they wanted him to release the "King of the Jews" as a Passover custom (Mark 15:9). However, the crowd, incited by the chief priests, demanded that he release Barabbas instead.
Verse 12 reveals Pilate's continued reluctance to condemn Jesus. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"Pilate again asked them...": This highlights that Pilate is persisting in his attempt to avoid crucifying Jesus. He is making another appeal to the crowd's potential sense of justice or mercy.
"What then should I do...": Pilate is directly asking the crowd for instructions on what to do with Jesus. He is essentially handing the responsibility of the decision over to them. This shows his desire to avoid making the judgment himself, likely because he doesn't believe Jesus deserves execution.
"...to him whom you call the King of the Jews?": This is a key phrase. Pilate is reminding the crowd that they are the ones who initially used this title for Jesus. He is subtly pointing out the irony of their situation: they are now demanding the death of the person they previously hailed as their king. By using this title, Pilate also potentially hints at the political implications of crucifying someone claiming to be a king. He is essentially asking them, "Are you sure you want to condemn a potential leader or symbol of Jewish identity in this way?"
In summary, Mark 15:12 underscores Pilate's hesitation to crucify Jesus, his attempt to shift responsibility to the crowd, and the irony of their demanding the death of someone they once hailed as their king. It sets the stage for the crowd's ultimate answer and the subsequent events leading to Jesus's crucifixion. It also highlights Pilate's political maneuvering and his attempt to avoid a potentially volatile situation.