Mark 15:20 – “And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the final moments before Jesus is led to His crucifixion. After the Roman soldiers had finished mocking Him, they removed the purple robe, put His own clothes back on, and led Him out to be crucified. The soldiers had humiliated Jesus by pretending to honor Him as a king, dressing Him in a purple robe, and placing a crown of thorns on His head. But once their cruel “game” was over, they returned Him to His normal clothing, symbolizing the transition from mockery to execution.
Jesus is now being taken to Golgotha, the place where He will be crucified. This moment highlights both the physical suffering and the emotional torment He endured as part of His mission to save humanity.
Historical Context
The Romans used crucifixion as a method of execution for criminals, slaves, and political rebels. It was designed to be both a painful death and a public humiliation. Before being crucified, prisoners were often flogged, mocked, and paraded through the streets as a warning to others. Jesus had already been beaten and flogged (Mark 15:15), and the soldiers’ mockery was meant to add further insult to His punishment.
The purple robe and crown of thorns symbolized a mock coronation, ridiculing Jesus’ claim to be “king of the Jews.” Once the soldiers were done mocking Him, they put His clothes back on, probably to ensure that He would be recognizable to the crowds as He was led to His execution. The act of leading Him out through the streets was part of the public spectacle meant to shame and humiliate Him.
Theological Implications
This verse shows the depth of Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan for salvation. He endured physical pain, emotional humiliation, and spiritual suffering without resisting or retaliating. His silence and submission fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter.”
Theologically, this verse highlights the doctrine of substitutionary atonement—Jesus took on the punishment that we deserved because of sin. The mockery and humiliation He experienced were part of the suffering He willingly endured to bring forgiveness and reconciliation between God and humanity.
The soldiers may have thought they were in control of the situation, but Jesus was fulfilling God’s plan. His journey to the cross was not a defeat but a victory that would be revealed through His resurrection.
Literary Analysis
This verse is structured to show a transition from mockery to crucifixion. The mention of the soldiers removing the purple robe and putting His clothes back on serves as a symbolic reminder of Jesus’ humanity. Despite being mocked as a king, He was fully human and fully divine, suffering for the sake of others.
The phrase “they led him out to crucify him” is simple yet powerful. It marks the beginning of the final stage of Jesus’ earthly mission. The word “led” implies that Jesus willingly followed, reflecting His obedience and submission to God’s will. This moment of being led to the cross is the fulfillment of His purpose as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.”
- John 19:16-17 – “Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull.”
- Philippians 2:8 – “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
- Hebrews 12:2 – “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse calls Christians to reflect on the cost of their salvation. Jesus endured mockery, humiliation, and suffering so that we could be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God. His example challenges us to live lives of humility, obedience, and gratitude.
It also reminds us that following Christ may involve suffering and rejection. Just as Jesus was mocked and humiliated, believers may face opposition and ridicule for their faith. But Jesus’ example shows that enduring suffering for the sake of God’s plan is not meaningless—it is part of living out our faith.
This verse also encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty. What seemed like a moment of defeat was actually part of God’s victorious plan. When we face hardships, we can remember that God is in control and that our suffering has a purpose in His greater plan.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is displayed through Jesus’ willingness to endure mockery and suffering for the sake of humanity. He could have stopped the soldiers at any moment, but His love for sinners kept Him on the path to the cross. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus’ journey to the cross was an expression of that love.
God’s love is also patient and merciful. Even those who mocked and led Jesus to His death were not beyond the reach of His forgiveness. Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). His love extends to all people, offering forgiveness to anyone who repents and believes in Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the suffering servant who fulfills God’s plan of salvation. His journey to the cross demonstrates His obedience to God’s will and His love for humanity. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” By willingly enduring humiliation and death, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for sin.
The soldiers thought they were leading a defeated man to His death, but they were actually escorting the Savior of the world to His greatest victory. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus would conquer sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ willingness to endure mockery and suffering impact your understanding of His love for you?
- In what ways can you follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience in your daily life?
- What does this verse teach you about trusting God’s plan, even when circumstances seem painful or unjust?
- How can you show gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross?
- What does it mean for you personally to carry your own “cross” as a follower of Christ (Luke 9:23)?