Context No. 2843 of 4322 · Mark

Mark 15:21-28: in context

21They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them that he might bear his cross. 22They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, “The place of a skull.” 23They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it. 24Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take. 25It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26The superscription of his accusation was written over him: “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 27With him they crucified two robbers, one on his right hand, and one on his left. 28The Scripture was fulfilled which says, “He was counted with transgressors.”

Mark tells the crucifixion plainly, almost without comment, and the bare details carry it. A passerby, Simon of Cyrene, is forced to carry the cross. They bring Jesus to Golgotha, offer him wine mixed with myrrh, which he refuses, and crucify him at the third hour, gambling for his clothes. Over his head the charge reads: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Two robbers are crucified beside him, one on each side, and the old Scripture is fulfilled: he was numbered with transgressors. The details preach without a sermon. The King is enthroned on a cross between two criminals, the mocking title telling the plain truth. He refuses the drug that would dull the pain and meets it fully. And a stranger from Cyrene carries the beam behind him, an unplanned picture of what following this King will one day cost anyone who comes after him.

Do I recognize my King in this crucified man, numbered with criminals, refusing to dull the cup he came to drink?

Sources

Mark 15:28: "The Scripture was fulfilled which says, He was counted with transgressors."
Isaiah 53:12: "He poured out his soul to death, and was counted with the transgressors."
Mark 8:34: "Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."