Mark 10:45 – a ransom for many

Penal substitution is implied in the word lytron (‘ransom’), and suggested by an allusion to Isa 53 and the substitionary work of the Suffering Servant.  ‘The cup I drink’ (Mk 10:38) is, of course, the cup of God’s wrath (Mk 14:36; Psa 75:8; Isa 51:17; Jer 25:15f; Ezek 23:32-34; Hab 2:16).  This cup of wrath, according to the text just cited, is destined for the wicked, but is drunk by Jesus in their place, as ‘a ransom for many’.  Moreover, the ‘handing over’ of Jesus, Mk 10:33f, carries a sense of being handed over to the wrath of God in place of those for whom he gave himself as a ransom (cf. Psa 106:40f).

Mark 15:33f – the crucifixion

The supernatural darkness recollects the darkness that in the Old Testament denotes God’s wrath, Isa 13:9-11 (already quoted by Mark in 13:24f).  Jesus’ cry of abandonment indicates that the wrath was directed against himself.

Mark 14:27 – “I will strike the shepherd”

It is remarkable that in this quotation by Jesus from Zech 13:7 it is God who strikes the shepherd.  HIs afflictions will come from his Father’s hand.

Based on Jeffery et al, Pierced for our transgressions, 67-73.