MARK 15:21-32
THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS
Text – Mark 15:21–32
21 They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
22 They brought him to the place of Golgotha—which is translated Place of the Skull.
23 They gave him wine drugged with myrrh, but he did not take it.
24 Then they crucified him and divided his garments by casting lots for them to see what each should take.
25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him.
26 The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.”
27 With him they crucified two revolutionaries, one on his right and one on his left.
29 Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,
30 save yourself by coming down from the cross.”
31 Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes, mocked him among themselves and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself.
32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him.
Historical and Jewish Context
As Jesus carried His cross toward Golgotha, the Roman soldiers compelled Simon of Cyrene, an African pilgrim from modern-day Libya, to help Him. The Romans often forced bystanders to carry the crossbeam when the condemned grew too weak. Simon’s mention, along with his sons Alexander and Rufus, suggests that his family later became prominent in the early Christian community (cf. Romans 16:13). Golgotha, “the Place of the Skull,” was a hill outside Jerusalem used for executions. Offering Jesus wine mixed with myrrh was a customary act of mercy to dull pain, but He refused, choosing to suffer fully in obedience to the Father. The dividing of His garments fulfilled Psalm 22:18, and the mockery from bystanders and leaders alike fulfilled prophecies that the Messiah would be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3). The charge “King of the Jews” was written by Pilate both to mock and to declare, unknowingly, the truth of Christ’s kingship.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The crucifixion reveals the mystery of divine love and redemption. Jesus’ refusal of the drugged wine shows His full participation in human suffering and His conscious offering of Himself for the salvation of all. Theologically, the Cross is not a failure but the throne of Christ the King, where His love overcomes sin and death. The mockers’ challenge, “Save yourself,” misunderstands His mission—He saves others precisely by not saving Himself. By remaining on the Cross, He fulfills His role as the suffering Messiah whose power is revealed in sacrifice. The two revolutionaries crucified with Him represent humanity divided in its response to grace—one mocks, the other (as Luke tells us) repents. The Church teaches that in this moment, Jesus fulfills the ancient covenant, offering Himself as the true Paschal Lamb whose blood redeems the world (CCC 613–618).
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 27:32–44 – Emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture and the mockery at the Cross.
Luke 23:26–43 – Includes the dialogue with the repentant thief.
John 19:17–24 – Adds details of the inscription and the division of garments.
Psalm 22:7–8, 18 – “All who see me mock me… they divide my garments among them.”
Isaiah 53:3–5 – “He was despised and rejected, pierced for our transgressions.”
Key Terms
Simon of Cyrene – A symbol of discipleship; one who bears the cross of Christ.
Golgotha – “Place of the Skull,” the site of crucifixion outside Jerusalem.
King of the Jews – The title of mockery that reveals the truth of Jesus’ kingship through suffering.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage stands at the center of the Good Friday Liturgy and is meditated upon in several Stations of the Cross—Jesus takes up His cross, falls, meets His mother, and is nailed to the Cross. The Church venerates the Cross as the sign of redemption and victory over sin. On Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14), this mystery is celebrated as the triumph of divine love. The participation of Simon of Cyrene reminds the faithful that every disciple is called to carry the Cross with Christ as a path to glory.
Conclusion
The crucifixion of Jesus reveals the depth of divine mercy and the triumph of sacrificial love. He is mocked as powerless yet reigns as King from the Cross. Every insult, wound, and humiliation becomes an act of redemption. The Cross, once a symbol of shame, becomes the gateway to life. Christ’s suffering is not defeat but the supreme revelation of God’s love for humanity.
Reflection
The Cross teaches that love and suffering are inseparable in the Christian life. When we bear our crosses with faith, we share in the mystery of redemption. Like Simon of Cyrene, we are called to assist Christ in carrying His Cross through acts of compassion and fidelity. The Cross stands as the measure of our love for God and one another.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, crucified for our salvation, teach us to carry our crosses with courage and trust. Transform our suffering into love and our pain into prayer. May Your Cross be our strength in trials and our hope in death, leading us to share forever in Your glory. Amen.