Mark 15:28

Mark 15:28 is a concise yet profound statement within the Gospel of Mark's account of Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It highlights that Jesus, though sinless, was deliberately placed and treated as a common criminal, aligning with ancient predictions about the suffering Messiah.

Context

This verse is situated immediately after the description of Jesus being crucified between two thieves, as noted in Mark 15:27. The Roman authorities executed Him alongside actual criminals, a public display meant to humiliate and discredit Him. However, the Gospel writer points out that this seemingly unjust act was, in fact, a precise fulfillment of divine scripture, underscoring God's sovereign hand even in humanity's darkest moments.

Key Themes

• Prophetic Fulfillment: The core message is the undeniable accuracy of biblical prophecy. Jesus' suffering and death were not random events but the culmination of God's ancient plan, meticulously foretold.
• Identification with Sinners: Though Jesus was without sin (Hebrews 4:15), He was counted among the "transgressors." This profound identification with humanity's fallen state is central to His atoning work.
• Vicarious Suffering: Jesus' being "numbered with the transgressors" was not due to His own guilt but because He bore the shame and penalty of others' sins. He took the place of humanity, suffering on their behalf.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "transgressors" is anomōn (ἀνόμων), which means "lawless ones" or "those without law." This term vividly portrays the injustice of Jesus' crucifixion, as He, the perfectly righteous one, was treated as someone who utterly disregarded divine and human law. This emphasizes the depth of His humiliation and the extent of His sacrifice.

Cross-References & Significance

This verse directly references the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:12, which declares of the Suffering Servant, "and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Jesus Himself alluded to this prophecy just before His crucifixion, as recorded in Luke 22:37. This fulfillment is a powerful testament to the divine authorship of scripture and the pre-ordained nature of Christ's passion. It underscores the theological truth that God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Practical Application

Mark 15:28 invites believers to contemplate the immense cost of their salvation and the unparalleled love of God. Jesus' willingness to be counted among the vilest of humanity—the criminals—reveals His radical compassion and the completeness of His redemptive work. It encourages us to appreciate the depth of His humility and the truth that He bore our sins, offering us forgiveness and the path to eternal life through His sacrifice.