Easter is a time of deep meaning for Christians—a blend of sorrow and joy. Good Friday marks the day Jesus is crucified. So why do we celebrate it?
While the resurrection fills us with hope and forms the foundation of our faith, we cannot overlook the suffering and sacrifice that came before it. In Matthew 27:32-45, we find Jesus on His path to the cross. On this short journey, He endures trial, rejection, and crucifixion. And it’s all for us.
As humans, we’ll never grasp His agony. But, we know that we receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. As we study this passage, remember the depth of Christ’s love–and the cost of our salvation.
Easter – Jesus is Crucified on the Cross
33. As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.
And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink.
35. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots.
36. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there.
And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
38. At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.
And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
41. In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying,
42. “He saved others; He cannot save Himself He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him.
43. “HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.'”
44. The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.
45. Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. – Matthew 27:32-45
The Crucifixion of Christ
We sometimes mention the crucifixion of Jesus almost as a footnote in the history of the Bible. But, it’s more than an historical moment. The crucifixion of Christ stands as a powerful reminder of His ultimate sacrifice for humanity (us).
How Jesus Died on the Cross
Death by crucifixion was one of the most humiliating and torturous deaths a person could face. The Romans perfected it. The person suffered long hours before finally giving up their lives. For Jesus, the physical suffering involved immense pain from nails driven through his hands and feet. Then, hanging by his own weight, breathing was extremely difficult.
Additionally, the emotional suffering was profound, as Jesus endured mockery, abandonment by many of his followers, and the weight of bearing the sins of humanity. This combination of physical torment and emotional anguish highlights the depth of his sacrifice.
Why We Need to Know
I really hesitate here. I don’t like writing this at all but I feel people (including myself) need to understand the horrible death our Savior took on for us.
The fact that Jesus was willing to come from heaven, a perfect and joyful place, live among us as a mortal man, die for us on the cross so that we might be forgiven from sin is enough for me.
Jesus’ crucifixion shows His unending love for us. But have you asked Christ into your heart? If you have, did you thank Him today for what He did? Let’s pray.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you have never made the decision to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 to learn more.