Mark- The Power of a Question

Podcast & Media - Vine39

Mark- The Power of a Question Read Mark 15:1-15

We often want God to give us answers to whatever we are struggling with. They wanted that from Jesus too. We have to remember that when God took on flesh in Jesus he didn’t give many answers. When asked hard questions he usually responded with non-answers that confused his audience, stories, or another question. Jesus isn’t trying to solve the mystery but draw us further in. In this story his silence provokes so many questions. To leave a question unanswered is hard because it allows others to fill up the space with their own assumptions about us. Jesus continues to amaze in this story with his silence as he does in others with his questions. And here we are left asking the questions so we are drawn into the mystery of Christ.

1. Pilate asks, “Are you the king of the Jews?” What is behind this question? Is it a serious inquiry? Mockery to “king in chains?” What do you think Pilates intent is in this situation? Where is he coming from?

2. When Pilate asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews Jesus simply responds, “σὺ λέγεις” which means “you say” or “say you.” How did Pilate “Say so?” What could Jesus mean?

3. There is no “one thing” they can accuse Jesus of so they accuse him of many things. They figure if they pile on the accusations something will stand out and get him in trouble with the Roman authority who has the job of keeping the “Peace of Rome.” Pilate then expects Jesus to defend himself... to prove himself. Jesus refuses to participate. He won’t play their game. We just finished several stories in a row where Jesus gave answers that amazed those listening. Now he shocks them with his silence as Pilate asks, “Aren’t you going to answer?” Why has Jesus decided the silence will have more impact than words here?

4. It’s hard for us to not respond when people accuse us or make assumptions about us. We don’t want others to fill in the story with their own narratives and interpretations about us. We want to make our point, make ourselves look better, make others like us, make others understand where we are coming from. We feel we have to play the game when it’s our name, reputation, image, or worthiness that’s on the line. What is the invitation and challenge of Jesus to us in this passage?