What is the meaning of Mark 15:18? And they began to salute Him • Roman soldiers had just scourged Jesus (Mark 15:15–17). Their “salute” was not honor but cruel mockery, echoing the real homage given to earthly rulers. • Isaiah 50:6 and Psalm 22:6–8 foresaw Messiah’s abuse and scorn, reminding us that even derision fulfills prophecy. • Luke 23:11 records Herod’s soldiers treating Jesus “with contempt and mockery,” showing this attitude was widespread, not confined to one cohort. • The contrast between worldly ridicule and heaven’s estimate of Christ (Revelation 5:12) underscores how fallen hearts misjudge true majesty. Hail • “Hail” was the customary Roman greeting to Caesar; here it is twisted into a sarcastic gesture. Compare the soldiers’ identical cry in John 19:3. • Their words highlight the irony that, while intending mockery, they proclaim a truth far greater than they know—Jesus is worthy of all honor (Philippians 2:9–11). • Matthew 26:49 shows Judas greeting Jesus with “Greetings, Rabbi,” another example of false honor cloaking betrayal. Both scenes remind us that empty words cannot hide unbelief. King of the Jews! • Pilate’s accusation in Mark 15:2—“Are You the King of the Jews?”—becomes the soldiers’ taunt. What they ridicule is precisely the title Scripture assigns to Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5). • John 18:36–37 clarifies Jesus’ kingship: His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is utterly real and eternal. • Even in scorn, Rome unwittingly broadcasts the gospel: Jesus is King, first to Israel (Zechariah 9:9) and ultimately over every nation (Revelation 11:15). • The placard over the cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19–22), turns the soldiers’ jest into a worldwide proclamation of Christ’s identity. summary Mark 15:18 records a moment of bitter mockery, yet every word the soldiers speak is true. Their sarcastic salute fulfills prophecy, exposes human blindness, and inadvertently declares the gospel: the scourged prisoner before them is in fact the promised King. Scripture’s accuracy shines as even His enemies become heralds of His royal glory. |
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