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The Crucifixion: Matt. 27; Mk. 15; Luke 23
“But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering...” (Isa. 53:10a). “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).
Jesus prophesied that this time would come. He would have to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die a cruel death. The trials were an unjust display of cruelty motivated by envy and hatred. They had no intentions of letting Jesus go free.
Pilate examined Jesus and could find nothing against Him that would warrant death. He attempted to remove himself from the guilt of the situation by washing his hands of it. But he was weak. The people would prevail and he would send Jesus to His death.
As was their tradition, Pilate brought a couple prisoners before the people to let them decide who would be released and who would be punished. Barabbas, a known criminal, was brought out with Jesus. Justice did not matter at this point to the people. “Release Barabbas,” they cried. Then what to do with Jesus? The cry of the mob still rings out loud and clear: “crucify Him, crucify Him!”
First, Jesus would be scourged. In many instances, this alone would result in death. They then would make Him bear His own cross on His beaten back. Apparently physically exhausted already, they compelled another man, Simon, to help with this. When they reached the “place of the skull,” they crucified Jesus.
Jesus was on the cross about six hours. He was fully aware of what was happening, and made several statements worthy of examination. In the end, let us remember that His death was all for us. Because of the blood He shed, we can have forgiveness of every sin.
Discussion
1. Why was Jesus delivered up to be crucified?
2. What is a scourging? Why was this done?
3. Exactly what is crucifixion? Why was this such a humiliating way to die?
4. In spiritual terms, what does the death of Christ mean for us now?