Crucified By Envy
- Dr. Dee
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Mark 15:6-15 ESV
“Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”
Pilate tried to release Jesus. He saw through the whole thing. Scripture tells us he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered Jesus up, and that word envy deserves our full attention. The Greek word is phthonos: a deep, festering displeasure toward someone because of their advantage, their favor, their prosperity. It is not mere jealousy. It is ill-will. It is the desire to see someone brought low simply because they have been lifted high. And it was this that put Jesus on the cross.
The Jewish leaders were not primarily motivated by theology. They were threatened. Jesus spoke with power and authority they did not possess. His ministry was accompanied by irrefutable miracles. The crowds hung on His every word and followed Him loyally. His influence was tangible, undeniable, and growing and theirs was not. So they did what envy always does when left unchecked. They moved to eliminate the threat.
I wish I could say this spirit died with them. It didn’t.
It is the sinful instinct of many “Christians” to strive with our neighbors for power, position, attention, influence, and loyalty. When a person is led by envy, their focus shifts entirely from the gospel of Jesus Christ to kneecapping the very people they are called to serve alongside. I have watched believers dwell in envy and covetousness with no genuine repentance, no self-awareness, and no honor. I have seen what lengths people will go to in order to feel superior, in conversations, in organizations, in ministry, and it is ugly. I don’t tolerate envy in my friendships or close associations, because history has made it plain: envy leads directly to death.
When I pour into emerging leaders, I tell them the truth — the most dangerous thing you can be in the church is anointed and gifted. It will put a target on your back. Not from unbelievers. From the ones you are supposed to be standing with.
But here is where the gospel interrupts everything.
Christ’s death and resurrection did not merely save our souls, it dismantled the very machinery of envy. The cross broke the cycle. The resurrection sealed it. This world no longer has to run on the fuel of comparison, competition, and quiet sabotage. That engine has been incapacitated by the blood of Jesus.
The cross that our Lord bore put an end to all of this.
You no longer need to strive with your brother or sister, because Christ died for sinners.
You no longer need to be the best at everything, because Christ died for sinners.
You no longer need to feel like you drive the best car, live in the best house, or carry the most impressive title, because Christ died for sinners.
You no longer need to measure yourself against anyone. So what if they had more growing up. So what if more people know their name. So what if their platform is larger. So what if they seem more favored. The inner war is over. Christ has already won it. Our envy has been rendered powerless, because the Son of God drank the full cup of divine wrath down to the last drop, so that we would never have to compete for what He freely gives.
You can be at peace with your neighbor, because Christ has made peace between you and the Father.
So let us repent.
Where we have craved vain glory, may God forgive us. Where we have lusted for carnal gratification and attention at the expense of others, may God forgive us. Where we have conspired, quietly or openly, to bring ruin to those around us, may God forgive us. Where we have withheld love, prayer, and support because we secretly wished for someone’s failure, may God forgive us.
May the Lord shatter every chain of envy and release us into the freedom He purchased for us. May He give us new eyes, eyes that celebrate the favor on our brother, that rejoice in the gifting of our sister, that genuinely want to see the people around us flourish. This is the life the resurrection makes possible.
To God be the glory.
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Dr. Dee Evans
Founder, Dee Evans Ministries International, Inc
CEO, Koinonia Training and Consulting
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