Church of God Knowledge Encyclopedia

Crucifixion

Humanity, condemned to spiritual death, was granted forgiveness of sins, salvation, and the blessing of eternal life through Jesus’ suffering on the cross.
Humanity, condemned to spiritual death, was granted forgiveness of sins, salvation, and the blessing of eternal life through Jesus’ suffering on the cross.

The suffering on the cross refers to Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as a sin offering to save mankind, who were destined to die because of their sins. According to the prophecies of the Bible, Jesus endured scourging, was pierced by a spear, and suffered agonizing pain.[1] Through Jesus’ suffering on the cross for the sake of redemption, humanity was able to walk the path of forgiveness and eternal life.

Arrest and Interrogation

Jesus was already aware of the coming suffering on the cross. He had to endure being dragged around all night, interrogated, and eventually dying on the cross. The suffering Jesus endured was not only physical but also included mental anguish. He was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and denied by Peter, abandoned by the very disciples He had lovingly taught. Jesus bore all this pain alone.

Jesus’ Arrest

Jesus’ suffering began when He was arrested on the night of the Passover. After the Last Supper of the Passover, He went to the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples.[2] There, contemplating the impending suffering, He prayed earnestly until His sweat became like drops of blood.[3] While Jesus prayed alone, His disciples, unable to overcome their physical fatigue, fell asleep.[4] Looking sorrowfully at His slumbering disciples, unaware of the trials to come, Jesus said, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”[5] When He informed His disciples that the betrayer was approaching, a large crowd sent by the priests and elders arrived with Judas Iscariot leading them, carrying swords and clubs.[6] When Judas kissed Jesus, as prearranged, the crowd seized and bounded Him.[7] This was the betrayal of a disciple who once called Him teacher and followed Him everywhere. Jesus, however, already knew who would betray Him[8] and, though He could have commanded more than twelve legions of angels to defeat them, He allowed Himself to be led like a lamb before the shearers, fulfilling the prophecy of Scripture.[9][10] The disciples who had pledged to follow Him even unto death all fled in fear, abandoning Him.[11]

Interrogation and Trial

The Jews interrogated Jesus overnight at the Sanhedrin. The high priests and the council sought false evidence to condemn Him to death but found none.[12] When the high priest asked Jesus if He was the Christ, He affirmed it. Tearing his clothes, the high priest declared no further evidence was needed.[13] The Jews shouted for His death, spat on His face, struck Him with their fists, and slapped Him.[14]

While Jesus endured humiliation during the trial, Peter watched from the courtyard. When a servant girl recognized Peter and asked if he was with Jesus, Peter denied it and hurriedly left. When others pressed Him further, Peter swore and even cursed, denying knowing Jesus. At the third denial, the rooster crowed.[15] Jesus turned and looked at Peter, who then remembered Jesus’ words: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.[16]

On the early morning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the day after Passover, the priests and the whole council decided to put Jesus to death. They brought Him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, accusing Him of rebellion against Rome.[17] They claimed that Jesus opposed paying taxes to Caesar (Roman Emperor) and called Himself a king.[18] Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews, and Jesus answered yes. However, He clarified that His kingdom was not of this world and that He came to testify to the truth.[19]

After the trial, Pilate found no grounds for execution.[20] Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, who was in Jerusalem at the time, but Herod also found no criminal offense.[21] Despite Pilate’s attempts to release Jesus, fearing a riot and political repercussions, he ultimately handed Him over to the Jews, who demanded crucifixion.[22][23][24] The Jews demanded that Jesus be crucified and executed.[25][26] The trial ended, and the sentence was carried out immediately.

  • Crucifixion
Crucifixion was one of the most brutal punishments of the Roman Empire.[27] Victims, severely scourged, were nailed or tied to wooden crosses, enduring prolonged agony until death. Nails driven through the hands and feet caused severe bleeding, leading to excruciating headaches, as if the head was splitting, and high fever. Death row inmates suffer extreme suffering, including wounds, bleeding, headaches, high fever, exhaustion, hunger, thirst, chills, and other agonizing conditions, leading to their eventual death. In Rome, crucifixion was reserved for slaves, colonized peoples, and criminals guilty of heinous crimes or rebellion.[28][29] Knowing they could not execute Jesus on religious grounds, the Jewish leaders accused Him of rebellion, leading to His crucifixion as a Roman traitor. That was the reason above Jesus’ cross, the charge “King of the Jews” was inscribed.[30] To the Jews, one hung on a tree was considered cursed by God,[31] making crucifixion a symbol of divine condemnation.[32]

Pain and Sacrifice on the Cross

Jesus, God in the flesh, experienced the pain and suffering of humanity. He endured severe torment, including being scourged and bleeding on the cross, yet He bore all humiliation and agony with patience and unwavering endurance. It was His boundless love for the salvation of humanity. Finally, as prophesied in the Scriptures, He sacrificed Himself for the sins of all mankind.[33]

Flogged

 
The Flagellation of Christ by Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)

The first step of crucifixion was scourging. Roman soldiers mercilessly flogged Jesus. The Roman whip had pieces of animal bone or metal, such as lead, attached to its ends.[34] As a result, the flogging inflicted deep wounds, tearing away flesh and exposing bone, and in severe cases, it often led to death. The excruciating pain of the brutal scourging, with blood splattering everywhere, was beyond description.

Afterward, the soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and stripped Him of His clothes, dressing Him in a scarlet robe, like those worn by kings. They twisted together a crown of thorns and placed it on His head, and put a reed in His right hand. Mocking Him, they knelt before Him, calling out, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spat on Him, took the reed, struck His head with it, and beat His face.[35]

Carrying the Cross

Jesus, surrounded by the mockery and contempt of the soldiers and Jews, carried His cross to Golgotha, also known as the Place of the Skull.[36][37] Though the exact weight of the cross is uncertain, scholars estimate it to have weighed between 50 and 70 kg (110–155 lbs).[38][39] Climbing the hill with the heavy cross on His broken body was an excruciatingly difficult task. The soldiers compelled Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross for Jesus.[40]

As many women followed along the road to Golgotha, mourning and beating their breasts in sorrow, Jesus told them, “Do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and for your children,” foreseeing the horrific suffering they would endure during the destruction of Jerusalem.[41]

When they arrived at Golgotha, the soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh. Myrrh had an anesthetic effect and could have helped Him endure the pain, but Jesus refused it.[42]

Nailed on the Cross

Around 9 a.m. (the third hour), the soldiers fastened Jesus to the cross and drove thick, long nails through His hands and feet.[43] Each strike of the hammer drove the nails into His skin, piercing His hands and feet, causing excruciating pain. As He hung on the cross, His body sagged, and to take a breath, He had to push up on His nailed feet.[44]

The soldiers then divided Jesus’ clothes and cast lots for them.[45] The people stood by, watching and mocking Him.[46] However, this, too, was prophesied in the book of Psalms.[47] Despite this humiliation and pain on the cross, Jesus prayed for the forgiveness for those who were committing these acts against Him.[48]

Above His head, a sign read, “The King of the Jews.”[30] Onlookers taunted Him, saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”[49] Religious leaders also mocked Him, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel.”[50]

Two criminals were crucified alongside Jesus, one on each side. One of them mocked Him, but the other on the right rebuked the mocker and defended Jesus. Turning to Jesus, he pleaded for mercy. Jesus assured him, saying, “Today, you will be with Me in paradise.”[51] At noon (the sixth hour), the sun went out, darkness fell over the land, and lasted for three hours.[52]

Death on the Cross

 
Christ on the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)

Around three in the afternoon (the ninth hour), Jesus said in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)[53] He also said, “I am thirsty,” and was given sour wine.[54] All of these things were the fulfillment of the Scripture.[55][56] After enduring six hours of agony on the cross, Jesus spoke His final words, “It is finished,” and breathed His last.[57] At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth quaked.[58]

As it was the day of preparation for the Sabbath, the Jews urged Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken so their bodies could be removed quickly.[59] Breaking their legs would hasten death by preventing them from pushing up to breathe. The soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals crucified with Jesus, but when they came to Him, they saw that He was already dead. Instead of breaking His legs, they pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. This, too, fulfilled the Scripture,[60] as the Passover lamb—a symbol of Jesus—was not to have any of its bones broken.[61][62]


Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

Isaiah 53:4–8

  • Jesus’ Path to Crucifixion

Mark’s upper room (Passover Last Supper) → Garden of Gethsemane → Sanhedrin Council → Pilate’s Praetorium → Herod’s Palace (Jerusalem) → Pilate’s Praetorium → Golgotha (Hill of the Skull)

Meaning of the Suffering of the Cross

Atonement for the Sin of Mankind

In the Old Testament, during the Sabbath and feasts, animal sacrifices were offered, such as sheep or goats, for the shedding of blood.[63] Without the shedding of blood, there could be no forgiveness, so the blood of animals was shed to pay the penalty for sin.[64] The Bible also records that in order to save a person who was destined to die, someone else had to offer their life in his or her place.[65]

Jesus’ death holds a similar meaning. In order to save human beings, who were spiritual criminals deserving of death, Jesus offered His life as a sin offering.[66][67][68][69] Through the holy sacrifice of God, humanity was spared from the penalty of death.[70][71]


“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:28

“ As he expected, Jesus Himself came down to the earth in the flesh to save the souls who sinned, and sacrificed His body as a sin offering for them. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death.” So, in order to save the spirits who sinned, a righteous person without sin must die. According to ancient law, if a man sets a sinner free, he must die instead of the sinner (1 Ki 20:42). “
— Christ Ahnsahnghong, Visitors From the Angelic World, “Chapter 13: The First Adam and the Last Adam,” p. 50, Melchizedek Publishing, 2021

The Truth of the Forgiveness of Sins

Through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross, humanity obtained complete forgiveness of sins.[72][70][71] Forgiveness of sins is not something that can be obtained merely by believing that sins have been forgiven, but is given to those who partake of the blood of Christ. The way to receive this is through the New Covenant Passover.[73]

Jesus referred to the Passover bread as His body, and the Passover wine as His blood of the covenant which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.[74] And the next day, through His suffering and shedding of blood on the cross, He granted the forgiveness of sins and eternal life promised on the Passover.[75][76][77] The apostles and the early Church saints commemorated the Lord’s death by observing and proclaiming the Passover, always remembering God’s holy sacrifice and love.


For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26


See also

References

  1. ↑ "Isaiah 53:5".
  2. ↑ "Matthew 26:36".
  3. ↑ "Luke 22:42–44".
  4. ↑ "Matthew 26:40–41".
  5. ↑ "Luke 22:45–46".
  6. ↑ "Mark 14:42–43".
  7. ↑ "Matthew 26:48–50".
  8. ↑ "Matthew 26:21–24".
  9. ↑ "Matthew 26:53–54".
  10. ↑ "Isaiah 53:7".
  11. ↑ "Mark 14:27–50".
  12. ↑ "Matthew 26:59–60".
  13. ↑ "Mark 14:61–63".
  14. ↑ "Matthew 26:66–67".
  15. ↑ "Matthew 26:69–74".
  16. ↑ "Luke 22:61–62".
  17. ↑ "Mark 15:1".
  18. ↑ "Luke 23:2".
  19. ↑ "John 18:33–37".
  20. ↑ "Luke 23:4".
  21. ↑ "Luke 23:6–11".
  22. ↑ "Luke 23:13–16".
  23. ↑ "John 19:12–13".
  24. ↑ "Matthew 27:24–25".
  25. ↑ "Luke 23:23".
  26. ↑ "Mark 15:14–15".
  27. ↑ The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, M. Tullius Cicero, trans. C. D. Yonge (London: George Bell & Sons, 1903), Ver. 2.5.165
  28. ↑ Vital Biblical Issues, Roy B. Zuck, Roy Zuck, Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2011, pg.106
  29. ↑ Roman Crucifixion and the Execution of Jesus, Drive Thru History Adventures, March 27, 2018
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Matthew 27:37".
  31. ↑ "Deuteronomy 21:22–23".
  32. ↑ "Galatians 3:13".
  33. ↑ "1 Corinthians 15:3–4".
  34. ↑ What was Roman Crucifixion Like?, Raising Jesus, April 7, 2020
  35. ↑ "Matthew 27:27–30".
  36. ↑ "Matthew 27:31–33".
  37. ↑ "John 19:17".
  38. ↑ D A Ball, "The crucifixion and death of a man called Jesus," Journal of Mississippi State Medical Association, 1989
  39. ↑ How Heavy Was Jesus Cross?, Camilla Klein, Christian Educators Academy, October 5, 2023
  40. ↑ "Mark 15:21".
  41. ↑ "Luke 23:27–30".
  42. ↑ "Mark 15:23".
  43. ↑ "Mark 15:25".
  44. ↑ The Crucifixion of Jesus, C. Truman Davis, Prayer Friend, 1974
  45. ↑ "John 19:23–24".
  46. ↑ "Luke 23:35".
  47. ↑ "Psalms 22:18".
  48. ↑ "Luke 23:34".
  49. ↑ "Luke 23:37–38".
  50. ↑ "Matthew 27:41–42".
  51. ↑ "Luke 23:39–43".
  52. ↑ "Luke 23:44".
  53. ↑ "Matthew 27:46".
  54. ↑ "John 19:28–30".
  55. ↑ "Psalms 22:1".
  56. ↑ "Psalms 69:21".
  57. ↑ "John 19:30".
  58. ↑ "Matthew 27:50–51".
  59. ↑ "John 19:31".
  60. ↑ "John 19:32–37".
  61. ↑ "Exodus 12:46".
  62. ↑ "1 Corinthians 5:7".
  63. ↑ "Leviticus 1:1–9".
  64. ↑ "Hebrews 9:22".
  65. ↑ "1 Kings 20:1–42".
  66. ↑ "Matthew 20:28".
  67. ↑ Chapter 2 The Seven Feasts in Three Times, THE MYSTERY OF GOD AND THE SPRING OF THE WATER OF LIFE, Ahnsahnghong, Melchizedek Pub. Co., Ltd
  68. ↑ "Hebrews 13:12".
  69. ↑ "Romans 3:25".
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 "Ephesians 1:7".
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 "1 Peter 1:18–19".
  72. ↑ "John 19:34".
  73. ↑ "1 Corinthians 10:16".
  74. ↑ "Matthew 26:19, 26-28".
  75. ↑ "John 6:53–54".
  76. ↑ "Luke 22:15–20".
  77. ↑ "Hebrews 9:15–17".
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