Crucifixion
Matthew 27:31-36
32As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.
33And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull),
34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.
35And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.
36Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.
As I read through these verses this mornig I was struck by the almost clinical accounting of absolutely horrific events. A mere telling of the facts. A weather report might be delivered with more passion! But these verses contain so much necessary information for us for they are filled with prophecy fulfillment. The Old Testament prophets tell us all of these details are going to happen.
While this passage lacks emotional descriptors they aren't really necessary. We already know that the Pharisees were smug; the Roman soldiers were complacent (for the most part), just doing their job; the disciples were scared; the women were heartbroken; and Jesus was resulte. As we read this passage what needs to be asked is, how do YOU feel about it? Are you moved by the knowledge that your sin is what held Jesus onto that cross? Are you willing to embrace His salvation work for your own life? What impact do these details have on your day?
Since I can only answer those questions for myself, I'll leave you to your own answers.
32As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.
33And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull),
34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.
35And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.
36Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.
As I read through these verses this mornig I was struck by the almost clinical accounting of absolutely horrific events. A mere telling of the facts. A weather report might be delivered with more passion! But these verses contain so much necessary information for us for they are filled with prophecy fulfillment. The Old Testament prophets tell us all of these details are going to happen.
While this passage lacks emotional descriptors they aren't really necessary. We already know that the Pharisees were smug; the Roman soldiers were complacent (for the most part), just doing their job; the disciples were scared; the women were heartbroken; and Jesus was resulte. As we read this passage what needs to be asked is, how do YOU feel about it? Are you moved by the knowledge that your sin is what held Jesus onto that cross? Are you willing to embrace His salvation work for your own life? What impact do these details have on your day?
Since I can only answer those questions for myself, I'll leave you to your own answers.
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