Mark 15:20
“And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.”
Context:Certainly! Let’s do a Bible study on Mark 15:20 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
First, let’s read the verse in context:
This verse is part of the narrative describing the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Here’s a breakdown of the verse and its significance:
1. Mockery and Humiliation: The verse begins by stating, “And when they had mocked him…” This refers to the soldiers and other people involved in Jesus’ arrest and trial. Prior to this verse, Jesus had been subjected to severe mocking and humiliation. He was falsely accused, spat upon, struck on the head with a reed, and mocked as the “King of the Jews” (Mark 15:17-19). The mockery aimed to demean and ridicule Jesus, treating him as a powerless and insignificant figure.
2. Removal of the Purple Robe: The verse continues, “…they took off the purple from him…” During the mocking, Jesus was dressed in a purple robe, which was likely a symbol of mock royalty. Purple was a color associated with royalty, and the soldiers used it to sarcastically portray Jesus as a king. The act of removing the purple robe signifies the end of the mockery and the transition to the next phase of Jesus’ crucifixion.
3. Putting His Own Clothes On Him: After taking off the purple robe, the soldiers put Jesus’ own clothes back on him. This act has several implications. Firstly, it shows the soldiers’ intent to proceed with the crucifixion. Secondly, it signifies the restoration of Jesus’ identity as an individual, rather than a mocked and ridiculed figure. Finally, it reflects the truth that Jesus, though falsely accused and humiliated, remained true to his identity and purpose.
4. Leading Him Out to Crucify Him: The verse concludes by stating, “…and led him out to crucify him.” This indicates that Jesus, having been mocked, humiliated, and now dressed in his own clothes, was taken to the place of crucifixion. The phrase “led him out” implies that Jesus was being led away from the Praetorium, where the mockery occurred, and toward the location of his crucifixion, which was outside the city walls.
