Click the image to go to the Book of Mark on Amazon.
Excerpt-
Mark Chapter 15
From Council to Court
At morning’s first light the leaders conspired. Bound Jesus up tight as His fate required. They took Him to Pilate, the Governor from Rome. For he was the highest authority home.
“Are You King of the Jews?” Pilate asked flat. Jesus replied, “You’ve said so and that’s that.” The priests’ accusations flew fast, loud, and wild, But Jesus stood silent, defiled and reviled.
Pilate was puzzled. Amazed, in fact. This quiet strength was an unusual act.
Barabbas or Jesus?
At each feast, they’d set one prisoner free. A crowd-fueled tradition of Roman decree. Barabbas was jailed as a rebel and thief. Guilty of murder, crimes beyond belief.
Pilate asked the crowd, “Shall I free your King?” Priests stirred the crowd, pulling their string. “Give us Barabbas!” the voices all roared. “But what of this Jesus?” Pilate implored.
“Crucify Him!” their hate hung in the air. Pilate asked why, but they didn’t care. Pilate washed his hands as if he had no choice. He released Barabbas, with an uncertain voice.
Jesus was beaten and then handed away, To soldiers who mocked Him in a cruel display.
A Crown Meant to Hurt
They dressed Him in purple, their royal joke. Twisted sharp thorns into a crown to poke. They pressed it on hard. Blood trickled down. “Hail, King of the Jews!” mocking the crown.
They hit Him and spat, then bowed with a sneer. Then ripped off the robe. No mercy found here. They led Him under a cross, heavy and strong. The road full of jeers. No crowd ever so wrong.