Passionate 5 – The Crucifixion is the final look at the Passion readings from the Gospel of John. Do you wear a cross as jewelry? Is there a cross that hangs on your wall? There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but have you ever thought about the meaning of the cross in the ancient world?
Torture Device
The cross was a feared symbol of the Roman government. It was a very common, gruesome practice in the ancient world. Hundreds of people were crucified at times of civil unrest. Rome ruled with an iron fist. No one would wear a cross around their neck in the ancient world. Would you sport a set of electric chair earrings? How about a hangman’s noose anklet? A firing squat tattoo on your thigh would be a little confusing. Clearly the cross represents our Lord and his sacrifice for our sin. There is nothing wrong with crosses.
The Process
When Jesus hung on the cross he was being executed in the worst way imagined by man. To start the ordeal late Thursday and early Friday morning, Jesus had been roughed up by the Jews. When Pilate got ahold of him he was flogged. That means most of the skin and probably most of the flesh was ripped from his back. Then he was mocked and a crown of thorns was beaten into his scalp. On the Via Dolorosa (the Way of Sorrows) Jesus was forced to carry part of his own cross to the place of the Skull. It was here that he was skewered to the cross and raised off the ground, hanging by three nails. You might think all of this would be enough to end Jesus’ life, but he wasn’t dead yet. While hanging on the cross he cried out in agony because was suffering the agony of hell for us.
Want to hear more? Watch this week’s Bible study, Passionate 5 – The Crucifixion.
Please click HERE to find the Bible class slides.