Tag: Cross

THE CRUCIFIXION

~ theologymatters67 ~ 3 Comments

Mark 15: 16-41

BRIEF INTRO:

Jesus is mocked, abused, tortured, and ultimately left to die on a cruel cross. How horrible it must be to watch someone die, not only die but also to be tortured and abused for an extended period before death finally becomes a long-sought-after mercy for the person. We witness this through the gospel writer’s testimony in general, Mark’s account in particular.

Was Jesus a failure? Is God’s Word unreliable? Did evil triumph over good? Hardly! What appears to be a colossal blunder is, in actuality, a fulfillment of prophecy and a great victory over death, hell, and the grave for all those who have been born again through the atoning work of Jesus on that cross!

I don’t mean to make lite of this “divine” event. Yes, it was a divine event planned in the mind of the Triune Godhead before the earth’s foundations were laid! So, let’s dig into it a bit deeper.

 16 Now the soldiers took Him away into the [a]palace (that is, the Praetorium), and they *called together the whole Roman[b]cohort. 17 And they *dressed Him in [c]purple, and after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on Him; 18 and they began saluting Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they repeatedly beat His head with a [d]reed and spit on Him, and kneeling, they bowed down before Him. 20 And after they had mocked Him, they took the [e]purple cloak off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they *led Him out to crucify Him.

21 And they *compelled a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.

FOCUS ONE: The mocking (16-21)

The soldiers take Jesus to the “praetorium.” This place was the governor’s official residence in Jerusalem. Most likely located in the Fortress of Antonia. The soldier’s escorting Him there call together the cohort, around 600 men, stationed there for what appears to be a straightforward reason to mock Him!

They proceed to do several things to Him before He is led away to be crucified:

  1. Dressed Him up
  2. Twisted a crown of thorns and beat it into His head
  3. Spitting on Him
  4. Kneeled and bowed before Him (redressed Him)
  5. Led Him out to be crucified

It is one thing to mock a person, even by dressing Him up and making light of His testimony of being “king of the Jews.” But it is quite another to make and place a crown of thorns onto His head and then continually beat His head with a reed. “*A reed long enough to make a mock scepter would be firm enough to be extremely painful, about like a broom handle.” This crown was most likely made from long spikes (up to 12 inches long), which would have penetrated deeply into His skull. I can’t imagine how painful this would have been for Jesus.

But I think it bears noting that the crown of thorns also has a symbolic meaning. “When Adam and Eve sinned, bringing evil and a curse upon the world, part of the curse upon humanity was. . .cursed is the ground because of you; in pain, you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you. . .” (Genesis 3:17-18). The Roman soldiers unknowingly  took an object of the curse and fashioned it into a crown for the one who would deliver us from that curse.”

As they led Jesus away to Golgotha, where He will be placed on the cross, Simon of Cyrene (father of Alexander and Rufus) was made to carry the heavy cross beam for now bloodied, sleeplessness, and weakened Jesus. It appears that he was chosen at random by the guards to take the cross beam the rest of the way. But the qualifier “father of Alexander and Rufus” is interesting.

Why the qualifier? Mark, by divine leading, is pointing out to his readers a very encouraging fact amid seemingly discouraging news. Simon was the father of Rufus, a prominent church member in Rome (Romans 16:13).

Think about Christ’s effect on the people witnessing His dying on the cross (initiating the gospel). These two “boys” witnessed and, to some extent, were made to be involved in the events that day, and through them came to trust in Jesus!

Think about the centurion as well who watched Him die that day-“truly this man was the Son of God” (15:39). According to tradition, this centurion did become a believer (Matthew 27:54).

What Satan meant for evil, God used for good! Just as Genesis 3:15 states!

22 Then they *brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23 And they tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. 24 And they *crucified Him, and *divided up His garments among themselves, casting [a]lots for them to decide [b]what each man would take. 25 Now it was the [c]third hour [d]when they crucified Him.26 The inscription of the charge against Him [e]read, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

27 And they *crucified two [f]rebels with Him, one on His right and one on His left.[g] 29 Those passing by were [h]hurling abuse at Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save Yourself by coming down from the cross!” 31 In the same way, the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; [i]He cannot save Himself! 32 Let this Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who 

were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.

33 When the [j]sixth hour came, darkness [k]fell over the whole land until the [l]ninth hour. 34 At the [m]ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabaktanei?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 35 And when some of the bystanders heard Him, they began saying, “Look! He is calling for Elijah!” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “[n]Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down.” 37 But Jesus let out a loud cry, and [o]died. 38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who was standing [p]right in front of Him, saw that He [q]died in this way, he said, “Truly this man was [r]the Son of God!”

40 Now there were also some women watching from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of [s]James the [t]Less and Joses, and Salome.

FOCUS TWO: The crucifixion (22-40)

With Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross beam for Jesus, they bring Him to Golgotha (Place of the Skull). After they arrive, He is offered wine mixed with myrrh. Why? “Gall” refers to something bitter. It was a narcotic. “The Jews had a custom, based on Proverbs 31:6, of administering a pain-deadening medication mixed with wine to victims of crucifixion, in order to deaden the pain. Tast was, Chris victimsthirsty, ‘was unwilling to drink,’ least it dull His senses before He completed His work. . He neededdulls full mental faculties for the hours yet to come. It was necessary for Him to be awake and fully conscious, for example, to minister to the dying thief (Matthew 27:34; Luke 23:43).”

So they nailed Him to the cross on the (3rd hour-9 AM) and divided up His garments, fulfilling Psalm 22:18! This appears to have been a “right of passage” to gain the “customary spoils” of execution (John 19:23). 

The crime for which a condemned person was executed was written on a wooden board and fastened above his head on the cross. The inscription for Jesus was written in Latin, Hebrew, and Greek, stating: “The King of the Jews.” The chief priests were unhappy with what Pilate had written and demanded that he change it. But Pilate refused, “what I have written I have written” (John 19:21-22).

When the 6th hour arose (around noon), the halfway point of Christ’s six hours on the cross, darkness fell over the whole land until the 9th hour (3 PM). This darkness was a statement of divine judgment. This was when the father turned His head away, as Jesus suffered the penalty for all sinners. We can see that Jesus felt this abandonment very deeply (v. 34). Perhaps you understand the depth of pain and misery that comes from someone abandoning you on a human level. As bad as that experience is, it can never match what Jesus felt on the cross when God’s wrath was poured out on Him as the substitute for sinners!

At this point, someone ran to Him with a sponge filled with sour wine; they put it on a reed and gave it to Him to drink. This sour wine should not be confused with the wine mixed with gall given earlier. I will touch on this point more in our fourth focus point. Jesus utters a loud cry and breathes His last (v. 37). Many commentators point out that His “loud cry” demonstrated amazing strength for a person at this point in his crucifixion. It is truly astounding to think about the intense suffering He endured up to this point. 

John tells us that after the loud cry and before Jesus breathes His last, He states, “it is finished” (John19:30). Jesus completed the will of the Father. “The entire work of redemption has been brought to completion! Jesus then, according to John’s account, “gave up His spirit” (v. 30). No one took His life from Him; He voluntarily and willingly gave it up (10:17,18).

5 And when some of the bystanders heard Him, they began saying, “Look! He is calling for Elijah!” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “[n]Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down.” 37 But Jesus let out a loud cry, and [o]died. 38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who was standing [p]right in front of Him, saw that He [q]died in this way, he said, “Truly this man was [r]the Son of God!”

FOCUS THREE: The verbal abuse

So, as you can see, I continue to focus on the same scriptures as in the last section. My focus now is on the verbal abuse that Jesus endured during His crucifixion. Mark tells us that some were wagging their heads at Him and saying, “Haha save yourself” (v.29). The chief priests and scribes were mocking Him (v. 31); even those two men that were being crucified with Him were insulting Him (v. 32).

People walking by said, “you are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself.” The chief priests and scribes said, “He saved others but can’t save Himself.” Those crucified with Him insulted Him, saying the same things (Matthew 27:44). What’s the common denominator? They all implored Him to “come down from the cross” (v. 30, 32, cr. Matthew 27:44). Would that have brought them to repentance? Probably not.

This appears to be a final demand from the Jewish leaders for a miracle, a sign. They claim that if He would do this and come down from the cross, they would believe, but it was a lie (v.32). Jesus did many miracles, healed many people, and still took Him to the cross. 

37 But Jesus let out a loud cry, and [a]died. 38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who was standing [b]right in front of Him, saw that He [c]died in this way, he said, “Truly this man was [d]the Son of God!”

40 Now there were also some women watching from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of [e]James the [f]Less and Joses, and Salome. 41 When He was in Galilee, they followed Him and served Him; many other women came up with Him to Jerusalem.

FOCUS FOUR: Jesus dies (37-41)

 In the 9th hour, Jesus cries out with a loud voice in Aramaic the words of Psalm 22:1. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me.” As our savior, God’s only begotten Son, hangs on that cruel tree as a substitute for sinners, bearing all the weight of our sin against His Father, He feels the abandonment of His Father as He carries the guilt of the world. He is offered sour wine. What’s the difference from the first offer of wine (v.22). This wine did not have a narcotic mixed in with it. Instead, it was a cheap wine commonly consumed by soldiers and everyday workers. Some say it could have been an act of mercy to refresh Him, while others say it may have been intended to prolong His suffering.

The people mock Him as if they are looking for Elijah to come to take Him down. “* In effect they meant, let the forerunner come and save this so-called Messiah.”

Jesus utters a loud cry and breathes His last. “It is finished” (John 19:30). The veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Is that important? What does it signify? The book of Leviticus describes the veil of the temple as a massive curtain that separated the Holy of holies from the rest of the sanctuary (Exodus 26:31-33; Leviticus 16:2). “The tearing of the veil signified that the way into God’s presence was now open to all through a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-22)! The fact that such a veil was split from “top to bottom” showed that no man had split the veil; God did it!

Please don’t miss this -How awesome is it that one of the two crucified men with Him repented and was saved! After mocking Jesus and everyone else, this man’s conscience was pricked, and he repented. “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:39-43). “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!” He said to him, “truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

How amazing that Christ graciously affirmed this man’s salvation (v.43). But it goes beyond that. The centurion believes now as well. “Certainly this man was innocent” (Luke 23:47). “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39). Perhaps some of the soldiers with him believed too (Matthew 27:54).

*John MacArthur 

JESUS’ VIEW OF CHRISTMAS

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Various scriptures

As I write this post, the temperature in Indiana has dropped into the negatives, the snow has ceased falling, and the wind is constant and bone-chilling. I have been writing the previous post’s on the view of Christmas (incarnation) from the standpoint of various people in the Bible and directly related to the Christmas story. I have been doing this because it seems that we, and by we, I mean our American culture, have lost NOT only a “proper view” of Christmas but a biblical one as well.

*A poll conducted back in 2017 asked 1,000 people nationwide, “How do you view Christmas today?” They have come up with some interesting responses. 43% of the respondents said they think “it is all or mostly cultural,” while 31.3% said it is an even mix between cultural and religious. Only 15% view it as most or all religious.

Part of the problem that has led to a shift in the past thirty years is the growing number of people who identify as “spiritual” but not religious. While numbers might not be “your thing,” what they represent should be. They reveal a decline in Americans viewing Christmas as a “religious” celebration and a rise in a secular view of it. 

But that is not the only denominator that affects this cultural shift in America. Age also appears to play a role in it. In the 18-35 age group, 55.4% say they view Christmas as cultural rather than religious. The most interesting aspect of all this is the number of people that still plan on celebrating Christmas across America. “85% plan on celebrating Christmas even though they have different views of its meaning and significance.”

That is why these biblical viewpoints of Christmas from people involved in the first coming of Jesus are so vital. But the most important view is that of the “baby” Himself, Jesus Christ. What is His view of His birth, life, death, and resurrection? This is a view of Christmas, and our children and children’s children need to be reminded of the purpose of Christmas.

Jesus Christ came into the world through the virgin birth and was found lying in a lowly manger to display God’s love for us! “But God shows His love for (us) in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). While mankind was lost in their sins (lust, greed, adultery, fornication, murder, hate, envy, blasphemy, etc), God made very clear His love for His creation and His desire to redeem them from the bondage of their sin through His Son Jesus!

“In this is the love of God made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that (we) might live through Him”  (1 John 4:9). Our Children need to know that “that the reason the Son of God appeared (baby Jesus) was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Not so we can spend ourselves into debt and have a day or two off of work or school!

Jesus, Himself stated that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they (you and I) may have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He also said of Himself, “The Son of Man (Jesus) came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). His “view” is clear; His “purpose” evident. 

So, why should we celebrate the birth of Jesus? Is it simply a “cultural” or secular holiday void of religious value? Is it just something we do no different than the Fourth of July or Labor Day? OR can it be that this day we celebrate has a vastly more significant value? 

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. . .” (1 Timothy 1:15)!

This is “the reason for the season.” This is the view of the triune Godhead. This is why we celebrate Christmas! God sent His only Son to pay the penalty for sin that I owe so that I would be made right with Him and enjoy Him forever!

Nothing anyone in this life can give us that is as important, as valuable, and indestructible as the salvation given to sinners through the gift of the baby in a manger over two thousand years ago-Jesus Christ!

I pray that we fully enjoy this greatest of gifts this Christmas season.

*Saint Leo University polling institute, an online poll

MARY’S VIEW OF CHRISTMAS

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Extended reading: Luke 1:26-38

Devotional reading: v. 38

“For some people, Christmas is just another, regular day. They don’t believe in any form of the holiday and just see it as a time to spend with family and friends. For these individuals, Christmas is usually filled with nothing more than normal traditions like exchanging gifts, eating large meals, and watching movies.”

“Christmas is a time of year that evokes a sense of joy and happiness in many people. Children, in particular, feel this festive feeling as they anticipate the big day. They look forward to waking up on Christmas morning to see what Santa has left for them under the tree. But how do children really view Christmas? From their perspective, it can be interpreted as a day where they receive gifts from Santa and get to spend quality time with their family.”

As interesting as these views of Christmas are to us, I wonder what the view of the participants in the actual event would be like. For example , Mary. 

We read in these verses of Luke’s gospel that an angel was sent to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to give a message to a virgin named Mary. Although she was “legally promised to Joseph” (betrothed) they did not have sexual relations. What’s his message to her from God? Only that she has found favor with God and because of that she will conceive in the womb and “will give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus.”

I can’t imagine how that news hit her. We only get a small picture of her reaction to his greeting in verse twenty-nine. “But she was greatly perplexed at the statement, and was pondering what sort of greeting this might be.”

While she is pondering what’s been said to her by an angelic being, he continues to speak and communicates to her something totally unheard of and humanly  impossible: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the one to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.”

Mary, without the interaction of a man and solely by an act of God is going to become pregnant, but not with an “ordinary “ child by any means. She is going to give birth to the Son of God, Emmanuel! The One who “the Lord God will give the throne of his father David. 33 And he will reign over the house of Jacob ⌊forever⌋and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

We can’t begin to fathom what she experienced in her heart, mind, and body that day. She is going to be the vessel God uses to bring forth His Son into a lost and decaying world to redeem mankind unto Himself. Christmas begins with the birth of a baby, Jesus, but ultimately is about the cross He bore to fulfill all righteousness on our behalf and in our place!

It is amazing to me that she didn’t faint, run, or try to get out of it (I’m thinking of Moses). Rather we get a clear picture of her view of Christmas. 

38 “So Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s female slave! May it happen to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

She may not have understood it all perfectly, but she was willing to be used by God to fulfill His plans. As crazy as it all may have sounded, Mary walked by faith in what the Lord revealed to her! She understood, to some degree, that this day, the birthday of God’s Son, was no ordinary, superficial, or self-centered event. Rather, it was a day to ponder the greatest expression of God’s love to mankind. “But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering them* in her heart” (Luke 2:19). 

Crystal Mathews: 4 Different Perspectives on What Christmas Actually Means

Aroma, memories, and Jesus

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    3While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. 4But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? 5“For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. 6But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. 7“For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8“She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9“Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her” (Mark 14).

I am sure that all of us have experienced memories of good and bad things that have happened in our past, simply by breathing in a particular aroma, odor, or scent. The smells that abound on a cool day as fall settles in, always brings back memories of a school outing at a local park. A good thing!

Recently at a men’s Bible study we were discussing these scriptures and one of the men pointed out that the aroma from this perfume likely would have remained on Jesus leading up to His crucifixion. I never thought of that before. What are the implications that arise from that probability?

“Pure nard had a strong, distinctive aroma, similar to an essential oil, that clings to skin and hair and continues to give off its heady perfume.”

“Pure nard had a unique fragrance, and the presence of its aroma was an indication that the very best had been offered.”

 It might correctly be said that “as Jesus felt the whip lacerate His flesh, as He felt the nails pierce His hands and feet, He could also inhale the fragrance of that gift of spikenard and remember why He was doing this. Mary’s gift may have strengthened and encouraged Him, even throughout His horrific ordeal, as its strong scent still clung to His skin.” Day’s later!

I never truly thought about that before, have you? What about when they were in the guest room to eat the Passover just after this happened? The aroma from that perfume probably scented their gathering. An aromatic reminder to the disciples of Jesus’ coming death!

Then I think of Judas’ kiss of betrayal. Did he smell that pure nard remaining in Christ’s hair as he betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver? Did it remind him of what happened only hours ago and what Jesus said about it?

Was the scent still looming as Jesus stood before the high priest and the council? What conviction did they experience as they breathed in an aroma they would be all to familiar with?

And how about Pilate? As he asks Jesus if He is the king of the Jews he breathes in the scent of something very costly, something usually poured on those with a special anointing!

When I think through the implications of what, at first glance, appears to be a nice gesture but not to important, I am reminded of how much I miss when I “just read” scripture rather than “meditate” on it.

ONCE FOR ALL

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I had a conversation with a new acquaintance a while back, and this part of the conversation was troubling: “So, I do believe that if he (his friend) was a true follower, he relinquished his faith and trust in Christ and will pay the price of that rejection.”

Ugg, this grieves my heart. Within the belief system that fosters such an erroneous theology is an evident misunderstanding of the extent of the atoning work of Christ on the cross.

How many sins did Christ’s death atone for? The answer according to Romans 6:10: “for the death He died, He died to sin, once for all.” Isaiah 53:5-6 “the Lord caused the iniquity (all of it) of us all to fall on Him (Christ.)” And in 1 Peter 3:18, we read: “for Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God.”

Some people struggle with scriptures like Hebrews 6:4-6 and Revelation 3:5 for example. But this is unnecessary! According to the scriptures mentioned above, there is NO sin that Christ has forgotten about or refused to die for! 

Dear Christian, in order for you or I to be able to lose are salvation these scriptures would have to be false. We know they are not. We also know that Jesus is not coming again to do it all over on the cross to pay for that one sin you think damns you. All your sin was paid for, ALL OF IT, so be encouraged with the promise of Jesus that He will lose none! 

TASTE AND SEE

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EXTENDED READING: PSALM 34

DEVOTIONAL READING: VERSE 8

“O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD; HOW BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TAKES REFUGE IN HIM.”

As fall had begun, my mind took me back to a day when I was offered a slice of sweet potato pie rather than the pumpkin pie I loved and was accustomed to. I politely declined the kind offer but was quickly met with a forceful, “O, just taste it, and see how good it is.” With some reluctance, I tasted the pie. AND I LOVED IT! Since then, I have not stopped telling others about sweet potato pie.

This memory got me thinking about this verse and what it means to “taste” something. This psalm is a call by David to the whole assembly to praise the Lord for His goodness. For hearing him when he cried out to the Lord, deliverance from his fears, and for delivering the lowly from their troubles (v.6).

The Lord shows His goodness towards us as well, repeatedly, and that should compel us, as it did with David, to tell others about His goodness to those who trust in Him.

The word “taste” is used in two senses in the old and new testaments—the experience of the taste of food. And figuratively, the conscious experience of a different reality. This call is an invitation to turn to God and experience the benefits of a right relationship with Him.

I L-O-V-E sweet potato pie, and I encourage you to try it. BUT there is nothing that compares to having a right relationship with God through the atoning work of Christ on the cross. His “goodness” was made evident on the cross, where: “He should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9).

PRAYER: Just as David did, so do we. We praise you for your unending goodness to those who trust in you. Thank you for being faithful when we struggle, for meeting our needs over and over again, and for saving us from our sin. Those who look unto you will never be ashamed. Amen

HOW MANY?

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Poem by: Connie Faust

How many soldiers did it take to hold our Savior down
as the nails were driven into His trembling flesh?
Did they hold fast His precious head to place the thorny crown,
Viciously assuring it would keep the bleeding fresh?


“How many?” asked the teacher, as she faced her little brood.
Each child tried to answer, as earnestly they stood.
“Four soldiers!” called Meg.
“Ten!” said Jon, mocking her with a shove.
Jimmy rose and cried, “You’re wrong!  He did it out of love!”

From lips of a child the answer, in startling truth, rings still:
Out of love for all mankind, He did His Father’s will.
“You’re wrong!” the answer echoes loud — He willingly obeyed;
If He had fought and struggled, the debt would not be paid.

How many soldiers did it take to hold the Savior still?
He did it all for you on that dark and lonely hill!
He did it out of love for you, to save you from your sin.
He’s offering forgiveness; Will you turn and follow Him?