ACC ~ Mark 15 v16 - 20

OVERVIEW:

Ironies abound: The giver of the cloak of righteousness that hides our sin was himself stripped of his earthly clothing. His face is covered with spittle, who cured with spittle the eyes of the blind (CYPRIAN). Even their mockery obliquely served to reveal the revealer, to crown the humbled Lord of glory (CYRIL OF JERUSALEM). A conclusive reversal was being consummated in human history through his mock crowning. The judge is judged; the Word is silent (CYPRIAN).

15:17 | A Purple Cloak and a Crown of Thorns

THE REVERSAL IN THE FORM OF MOCKERY

CYPRIAN: He who now gives true palms to the victors was beaten in the face with hostile palms; [1] he who clothes all others with the garment of immortality was stripped of his earthly garment. [2] THE GOOD OF PATIENCE 7. [3]

[1] Cf. Mt 26:67; Mk 14:65; Lk 22:63; Jn 19:3.

[2] Cf. Mt 27:35; Mk 15:24; Lk 23:34; Jn 19:23.

[3] Cetedoc 0278, 31.11.32; FC 36:270.

HOW THE MOCKERY ECHOED PROPHECY

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: When they “clothed him in purple,” [1] it was in mockery, yet ironically it was a fulfillment of prophecy, for he indeed was a king, so even their parody indirectly served divine revelation. Even though they did it in a spirit of derision, still they did it, and his regal dignity was by that symbolically heralded. So, likewise, though it was with thorns they crowned him, it was still a crown. [2] SERMON ON THE PARALYTIC 12. [3]

[1] Cf. Mt 27:28; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2.

[2] Cf. Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2.

[3] TLG 2110.006, 12.1-6; FC 64:217**.

15:19 | They Spat upon Him

THE SPITTLE OF HIS REVILERS AND THE SPITTLE BY WHICH HE HEALED

CYPRIAN: In that very hour of his passion and cross, before they had come to the cruel act of his slaughter and the shedding of his blood, what violent abuses he listened to with patience, and what shameful insults he endured! He was even covered with the spittle of his revilers, [1] when, but a short time before, with his own spittle he had cured the eyes of the blind man. [2] THE GOOD OF PATIENCE 7. [3]

[1] Cf. Mt 26:67; 27:30; Mk 10:34; 14:65; 15:19.

[2] Cf. Mk 8:23; Jn 9:6.

[3] Cetedoc 0048, 7.132; FC 36:269-70.

15:20 | They Led Him Out to Crucify Him

THE PARADOX OF HIS BEING “LED OUT

” CYPRIAN: He who has given the food of heaven was fed with gall; [1] he who has offered us the cup of salvation was given vinegar to drink. [2] He the innocent, he the just, nay rather, innocence itself and justice itself is counted among criminals, [3] and truth is concealed by false testimonies. He who is to judge is judged and the Word of God, silent, is led to the cross. The elements are disturbed, the earth trembles, night blots out the day, [4] “the sun withdraws both its rays” [5] and its eyes lest it be forced to gaze upon the crime of the people. [6] Though the stars are confounded at the crucifixion of the Lord, he does not speak, nor is he moved, nor does he proclaim his majesty, even during the suffering itself. He endures all things even to the end with constant perseverance so that in Christ a full and perfect patience may find its realization. THE GOOD OF PATIENCE 7. [7]

[1] Cf. Mt 27:34.

[2] Cf. Mt 27:48; Mk 15:36; Lk 23:36.

[3] Cf. Mt 27:38; Mk 15:27; Lk 23:33; Jn 19:18.

[4] Cf. Mt 27:45, 51; Mk 15:33; Lk 23:44.

[5] Mt 27:45.

[6] Those particular Jews who called for his crucifixion.

[7] Cetedoc 0048, 7.132; FC 36:270*.