As we have gone through many of the events leading up to Easter, we are now at the day Jesus was crucified. This was a day that will forever be etched in the memory of those who know Jesus as their Savior. It was a day that was necessary for us to be forgiven and redeemed back to the Father. Because of the love of God, and the submission of the Son, we can inherit eternal life in Heaven with God. (John 3:16) It was a day that was appointed before time began and was orchestrated by God himself. (I Peter 1:18-20) If there could have been any other way God would have provided it, but a sinless spotless Lamb was required to appease the wrath of God on sinful men. Jesus knew the plan and was willing to follow it to the end. (Matthew 26:39)
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
I Peter 1:18-20 “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”
Matthew 26:39 “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
After a night of cruel treatment, questioning, beatings, and accusations from the Jews, Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and Herod, it was time for the crucifixion of Jesus. The God-man Jesus felt every pain physically, but He also felt the mental and spiritual agony that accompanied the sacrifice of Himself.
Around mid-morning Jesus was forced to carry His cross to Golgotha. He was so weak from the beatings He could not carry it, so a man named Simon from Cyrene’s was summoned from the crowd to carry it for Him.
The Bible says the third hour, which would have been at 9:00 a.m., because the Jews started their day at 6:00 a.m., was when Jesus was placed on the cross. The soldiers divided His clothes and Jesus prays for them.
Mark 15:24-25 “And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.”
Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Jesus was praying for His accusers and those who were sitting at His feet dividing the robe that Herod had placed on Him. He wore a crown they had made from a bush that had long thorns. Thorns that were probably an inch to two inches long. This had been pushed down into the skull. He was also beaten before He was taken up the hill by a cat of nine tails. This would have been a stick that had strings of leather attached, with shards of glass and pieces of metal tied at the end. This was used to beat him. Each time you pulled the whip back it would tear the flesh away from the back. The humiliation was elevated more by crucifying him naked. Pilate had placed a sign above Jesus that read “This is the King of the Jews.” Probably the only truth that was used by them that day. He hung between two wretched criminals, one which joined in the crowd by mocking Jesus, but the other defended Jesus and believed Jesus was the Son of God. Because of His belief, Jesus forgave Him and told Him today he would be with Him in Paradise.
Luke 23:42-43 “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
At noon, the sixth hour, there was an earthquake, and darkness was over the entire earth for three hours. At this same time, the veil in the temple tore from the top to the bottom. This was signifying that no longer would there be a need for a priest to mediate between man and God. Now, Jesus Christ would be our mediator, we could have direct access to the Father through the Son. Jesus then cries with a loud voice, “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit.” His accusers must have thought this was the end, but it was only the beginning.
Luke 23:44-49 “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”
This sacrifice was a willing Lamb that was slain for my sins. Jesus endured much more than this page could hold. There were those that spit on Him, mocked Him, beat Him, tortured Him, and lied about Him, but He never gave in to the physical feelings He had. He endured so that we could be forgiven for our sin debt. A debt we owed but could not pay. I think above all the torture and humiliation, the worst pain was felt when His Father, holy, and perfect, turned His back on His own Son because a Holy God could not look upon sin. The only time they were ever separated was because of their love for us.
This day ended with His followers puzzled, hurt, and afraid. Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, and because of the hour of the day, His own mother could not accompany His body and give Him a proper burial. The events and pain of that day were almost more than His disciples and family could endure, yet we know the rest of the story. It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.
I hope you take time today to thank God for making it possible for you to have a relationship with Him. I pray you thank Jesus for the suffering He endured for you. You deserve Hell and so do I. We have all sinned against a Holy God. This day was a necessity for us to be forgiven. Never forget how much He loves you!
