Sermon Synopsis
This sermon reflects on the grave injustices suffered by the Lord Jesus Christ in Mark 15, calling believers to consider their own response to suffering for His sake. Through the trials, crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ, we see His example of humble obedience, silence, and trust in God’s will. The message challenges us to be responsible, responsive, reliable, obedient, and courageous disciples. Ultimately, it calls believers to follow Christ faithfully, even when obedience leads to suffering.
Please note: This transcript is provided as close to verbatim record of the sermon.
A Call to Suffer
Mark 15; 1 Peter 2:21
Introduction
Good morning. Thank you, Jing Poi, for introducing me. Thank you also for giving me the time slot from 10:00 to 10:30—though I cannot promise I will finish exactly on time. Since it is the holiday season, let us try to be more forgiving.
It is somewhat ironic that today, as we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ—His first coming—we will be speaking about His departure from this world. Today, we speak about His departure.
The theme for today is written on the board. The message is titled “A Call to Suffer.” This theme comes from 1 Peter 2:21:
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.”
A Personal Illustration: Injustice and Suffering
About ten years ago, when I was in my fifties and still working, I experienced a form of prejudice called ageism. Some of you may be familiar with this term. Ageism is defined as prejudice against a person because of age. It is manifested in negative attitudes and discriminatory behavior—such as lack of opportunity for promotion, mandatory retirement, or even negative and mocking jokes about age.
Older persons often face this discrimination because they are perceived as slowing down or being less productive. It is a social problem that leads to exclusion and isolation, and in some cases poorer health. In extreme situations, it may even be used to justify verbal or physical abuse.
Ironically, ageism is not limited to older people. I have heard of someone in his thirties suffering prejudice even from younger colleagues. To such experiences, we cry, “Unfair!”
Injustice refers to situations where justice and fairness are absent. It violates individual rights and ethical standards.
This morning, my hope is to draw our attention to the grave injustice that descended upon our Lord Jesus Christ as we walk through Mark chapter 15, the second-last chapter of this Gospel. As we understand the extent of the injustice He endured—and see His example of humble patience and perseverance—may our response be shaped when we face similar injustice.
The Lord is sovereign, in control of all our circumstances—and may I add, in control of us as well.
Let us turn to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer
Setting the Scene: Mark 15
Mark chapter 15 records 47 verses, which we will cover in less than 30 minutes. There are three major sections:
This chapter concerns the greatest Servant of all time—our Lord Jesus Christ, the suffering Servant and Savior.
As we begin, let us note the setting. It is Friday morning, just before the Sabbath, shortly before the impending death of the Lord Jesus. One cannot help but notice that Mark slows down the narrative. Earlier, he spoke in days; now he speaks in hours. This slowing of time calls our attention to the pivotal importance of the death of Christ.
We transition with heavy hearts from chapters 1–14, which focus on the service of the Lord, to the suffering of the Lord. A few weeks ago, David John mentioned that Mark 14 should be read with emotion. Brothers and sisters, may I suggest that Mark 15 should be read with tears.
The Four Injustices Endured by Christ
Overview
There are four injustices recorded as the suffering of our Lord intensifies. Until this point, much of the suffering had been psychological. From Mark 15 onward, it becomes brutally physical.
His suffering was foretold repeatedly:
The Lord repeatedly reminded His disciples that He must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and rise again. Did they understand? And do we understand that the Lord must suffer—and that we are also called to suffer?
Injustice #1: The Fabricated Trial
(Mark 15:1; Mark 14)
The first injustice is the fabricated trial conducted by the chief priests and the religious council. They were desperately trying to find evidence against Jesus. He remained silent, except when placed under oath. His truthful answer was twisted into a charge of blasphemy, and He was declared worthy of death according to Leviticus 24:14.
Yet, in silence, Jesus allowed Himself to be bound and delivered to Pilate.
Unfair.
Reflection
Are we responsible servants of the Lord? Or irresponsible like these leaders who failed miserably? Notice the silence of our Lord, fulfilling Isaiah 53:7—like a lamb led to the slaughter, He opened not His mouth.
Injustice #2: The Foregone Trial
(Mark 15:2–15)
Before Pilate, the charge changes—from blasphemy to treason. Pilate asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answers simply, “It is as you say.”
Pilate found no fault worthy of death. He knew the religious leaders were motivated by envy. Yet he failed as a judge. Concerned for his own position, he chose to satisfy the crowd.
In verse 15, Pilate releases Barabbas, a convicted murderer, and delivers Jesus to be scourged and crucified.
Gross injustice.
Reflection
Pilate represents irresponsible leadership. In contrast, Christ remained silent and faithful. Are we reliable servants, or do we compromise truth for convenience?
Injustice #3: The Soldiers’ Entertainment
(Mark 15:16–20)
Jesus was mocked by Roman soldiers—about 600 of them. They dressed Him in purple, crowned Him with thorns, bowed in mock homage, struck Him, and spat on Him. This was psychological and physical abuse.
Reflection
Are we responsive or irresponsive to the suffering of Christ?
It is possible to live a Christian life that treats His suffering lightly—where worship ends and life goes on as usual. Or we can respond with devotion, recognizing Him not as a worldly king, but as Lord of our lives.
As Philippians 1:29 says:
“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
Do we suffer for Christ?
A modern example is Pastor Samuel Lamb of China, imprisoned for over 20 years. His testimony remains powerful:
“More persecution, more growth.”
Injustice #4: The Savior’s Execution
(Mark 15:21–32)
Three words appear twice:
“They crucified Him.”
Scripture was fulfilled.
Psalm 22, written a thousand years earlier, foretold these very events. Scripture was fulfilled precisely.
Reflection
This teaches us the reliability of God’s Word versus the unreliability of the world. We are called to be obedient and reliable servants, even if it means isolation or ridicule.
As 1 Peter 2:22–23 reminds us, Christ suffered without sin, without retaliation, entrusting Himself to the righteous Judge.
The Death of Christ
(Mark 15:33–41)
From the sixth to the ninth hour, darkness covered the land. During the first three hours, Jesus suffered at the hands of men. During the three hours of darkness, He suffered under the judgment of God.
Darkness in Scripture signifies divine judgment on sin.
When Jesus cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”, it was not a cry of unbelief, but a cry of deep affliction as He bore our sin.
His final loud cry was not weakness—it was victory. He laid down His life willingly.
The Burial of Christ
(Mark 15:42–47)
Joseph of Arimathea gathered up courage. Once a secret disciple, he now openly identified with Christ, requesting His body and giving Him a proper burial.
Witnessing the suffering of Christ transformed Joseph from hidden faith to public devotion.
Reflection
It is never too late to gather up courage.
In Singapore, persecution may not yet be severe—but opposition will come. The question is not if, but when.
Final Questions for Reflection
May the Lord help each one of us.
Closing Prayer
Prayer