Question 1

Why did the soldiers put a purple robe and crown of thorns on Jesus?

Accepted Answer

The soldiers were mocking Jesus’ claim to be a king. Kings wore royal robes and crowns, so they dressed him in a purple robe, a colour linked with royal clothing, and twisted a crown out of thorns instead of gold. This brought him pain as well as shame. They were turning the idea of his kingship into a cruel joke. At the same time, this scene shows Jesus bearing the shame and suffering that belonged to sinners, even though he had done nothing wrong himself.

Question 2

What is the meaning of the soldiers saying "Hail, King of the Jews"?

Accepted Answer

When the soldiers cried out, "Hail, King of the Jews," they were not honouring Jesus. They were copying the way people greeted earthly kings, but they did it in a mocking way. They meant to laugh at the idea that this beaten, helpless man could be a king. Their fake greeting, bowing, and so-called worship were meant to insult him. Yet the reader knows that Jesus really is the true King, even while he allows himself to be mocked and humiliated.

Question 3

Why did the soldiers hit Jesus with a reed and spit on him?

Accepted Answer

The reed was given to Jesus as a fake royal sceptre, then taken back and used to hit him on the head. This would have driven the thorns of the crown deeper into his scalp. Spitting on him and striking him showed open contempt and hatred. These acts were part of a cruel game where the soldiers acted out a pretend coronation while actually abusing him. It shows how deeply Jesus was shamed and hurt, both in body and in honour, as he went toward the cross.

Question 4

What is the Praetorium where the soldiers led Jesus?

Accepted Answer

The Praetorium was the governor’s hall, the place where the Roman ruler held court and stayed while in the city. Jesus had been brought there for trial, and it is from there that Pilate finally handed him over to be crucified. After that, the soldiers led Jesus inside this hall, gathered the whole group of soldiers around him, and carried out their mocking. So the Praetorium is the setting where Jesus is humiliated by Roman power before being taken outside the city to be crucified.

Question 5

Why did they put Jesus’ own clothes back on before leading him out?

Accepted Answer

The soldiers first dressed Jesus in a purple robe for their cruel play-acting, then took it off when they were finished mocking him. They put his own clothes back on him before leading him out to crucify him. This showed that their little show was over and the real execution was about to begin. It also meant Jesus could be clearly recognised as the same man who had just been condemned. Later, his clothes would become part of what the soldiers expected to take at the place of crucifixion.

Question 6

What does this passage show about Jesus’ suffering for sinners?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that Jesus not only died a painful death, but also endured deep shame and insult. He is treated as a fake king, beaten, spit on, and laughed at, even though he is completely innocent. He accepts this abuse without fighting back, walking the path to the cross. The wider teaching around this scene is that Jesus was laying down his life and bearing dishonour in the place of sinners, so that those who deserved shame could receive honour and, in the end, a crown of glory.

Question 7

How does the mocking of Jesus as king relate to his true kingship?

Accepted Answer

The soldiers meant their actions as a joke, but the story shows a deep contrast. They dress Jesus as a pretend king and bow in fake worship, yet he really is the King of the Jews and the King over all. At this moment, his kingship is hidden under suffering and weakness. He is not taking a throne by force but giving himself up to die. This teaches that his kingdom does not begin with outward power and splendour, but with sacrifice, obedience, and bearing the curse that others deserved.

Question 8

What was happening just before Jesus was led out to be crucified?

Accepted Answer

Just before Jesus was led out, Pilate had given in to the crowd’s demand and handed him over to be crucified, even though he knew Jesus was innocent. The soldiers then took charge of Jesus, brought him into the Praetorium, gathered the other soldiers, and mocked him as a fake king with the purple robe, crown of thorns, reed, and false worship. Only after they had finished this cruel display did they remove the robe, dress him in his own clothes again, and lead him out toward the cross.

Question 9

How can believers today respond to the way Jesus was mocked and shamed?

Accepted Answer

Seeing Jesus mocked and shamed should move believers to honour him from the heart, not only with words. The soldiers bowed the knee in jest, but many today can say the right things while still treating his rule lightly. This passage calls believers to take his kingship seriously, to hate the sin that made such suffering necessary, and to be willing to bear reproach for his sake. It also gives comfort, knowing that Jesus understands humiliation and pain, and has walked through the worst of it for us.

Mark 15:16

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

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Mark 15:16

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

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The Soldiers Mock Jesus

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