Mark’s Meta-Irony, 3
By Peter Leithart
The Romans were deeply anti-semitic, as a number of studies have shown. So, when they dress Jesus up in purple, press a crown of thorns on his head, genuflect before Him, they are mocking the Jews as much as they are mocking Jesus: Here’s the best that the Jews can offer, the King of the Jews.
Oddly, this is all lost on the Jews. They play right along, as if Pilate is in earnest when he says “What? Shall I crucify your king?”
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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