Tuesday, April 22, 2025

THE CRUCIFIXION

 THE CRUCIFIXION - I Wonder How It Makes Jesus Feel?

Last week, we discussed a few of the events that transpired just days before Jesus was to be crucified. It was nearing the time of the Passover commemoration so all Jews made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where they would celebrate the Feast of the Passover.

Jesus began His entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey with His followers strawing clothes and palm branches in the way before Him. It was a grand entrance - just as a procession would be held for a King. 

The people shouted “Hosanna!” as He made His way to Jerusalem form Mount Olivet. The Pharisees were disturbed that the people were praising Him in this way and they also knew this could cause a commotion with the Roman soldiers so they told Jesus He needed to tell the people to be silent.

Jesus continued triumphantly into Jerusalem as He let them know that if they do not praise Him, then the rocks would cry out in their place. 

Rather than ride straight to the palace and kick the Romans out as many thought He would, Jesus rode to the Temple and kicked out all that bought and sold within. He was grieved that the Temple had become a place to buy and sell rather than a place of worship and prayer as it was supposed to be.

Jesus left the Temple and went to a town called Bethany, which was only 2 miles away. While there, Simon the Pharisee (whom Jesus had healed of leprosy) invited Jesus and His disciples to dinner. During dinner, Mary (sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead) anointed Jesus’ head with an expensive sweet perfumed which ran down to His feet. Then she knelt down and began to wipe His feet with her hair. 

Judas Iscariot, who was the son of Simon the Pharisee and one of Jesus’ disciples, became indignant and asked why that perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. He didn’t ask because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and only cared about the money. Jesus told him and the other disciples to leave the poor woman alone. She had done a good deed toward His burial.

Nobody knew what was truly going on in the heart of Judas. He was the son of a pharisee. He was a disciple of Jesus. He blended in with all the other followers of Jesus. He was a thief, yet no one else knew it but Jesus. His heart became even more greedy and evil as he allowed the wrong thoughts and feelings to fill his heart and mind. This opened a door for satan to enter into him. (Lk 22:3)

Judas secretly slipped away and made an agreement with the chief priests to deliver Jesus into their hands for 30 pieces of silver.

Jesus held what we call the Last Supper with His Disciples. To the Jews, they were celebrating the Passover meal which began on the night before the Passover. They were to sacrifice a lamb then roast it without removing its head, feet, or any inner organ. They also had to be careful not to break any bones of the offering.

The Jews did not understand that this was symbolic and a representation of Jesus becoming the final sacrificial Lamb hanging on the Cross. To the Jews, this meal represented freedom from slavery in Egypt. To the Christian, we understand that this Lamb provides a way for us to become free from the slavery of sin. 

As Jesus was eating this Passover meal, I have to wonder how He felt, knowing that this would soon be Him only a few hours later.

As they ate, Jesus revealed that one of the 12 who were eating with Him would betray Him. Each one questioned and asked, “Is it I?” Finally, Judas Escariot, the son of Simon the Pharisee, asked, “Is it I?” Jesus looked directly at him and said, “Thou hast said.” Then He told him, “What thou doest do quickly.”

Judas quickly got up and left. It amazes me that he was so bold in his betrayal. It amazes me that the rest of the Disciples did not catch what was happening. Even after Jesus plainly said, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! Good were it for that man if he had never been born.” (Mt 26:24) They just thought Judas was going to buy things they may have needed.

After Judas left, Jesus took the unleavened bread, broke it and gave it to each one trying to teach them the symbolism between their tradition of eating unleavened bread for the Passover and the sacrifice He was about to make for all the world. Leaven was symbolic of sin. He instructed them, “Take, eat: this is My body.” showing them that the unleavened bread was symbolic of the body of a SINLESS Jesus which was broken for us. (1 Cor 11:24)

Then Jesus took the cup and gave thanks then gave it to them instructing and teaching, “This is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.”

Jesus warned the remaining 11 disciples that they all would be offended because of Him and scatter that night. Peter adamantly objected stating that even if everyone else became offended, he would not!

Jesus knew what was in Peter’s heart more than Peter knew as Jesus warned him, “I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.”

It’s easy to say we’ll stand for Jesus and let the world go by. It’s easy to say we’ll die for the name of Jesus, but would we? Peter and all the disciples were put to that test not many hours later.

Jesus led them to the Mount of Olives into a place called the Garden of Gethsemane. (Mk 14:32 + Lk 22:39) The hour was getting close and there was a war within Jesus between the will of the flesh and the will of the Spirit. He instructed His disciples to wait for Him at a certain spot and pray that they would not enter into temptation. (Lk 22:40) 

Then Jesus went a little further, taking Peter and James and John with Him. Jesus is inviting those whom He is calling into a deeper relationship to come with Him a little further. Those are the ones that He will share deeper things in the Spirit with that He will not share with others.

Jesus shared His feelings with Peter and James and John as He said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.” (Mk 14:33-34) Jesus wanted them to watch and pray as He went a little further, fell on the ground and prayed an agonizing prayer, pleading that if it were possible that the hour might pass from Him “nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done.”

He came back to check on His disciples and found them asleep. Jesus woke Peter up and asked, “Sleepest thou? Could you not watch one hour? WATCH AND PRAY, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”

Then Jesus went back to praying His agonizing prayer. As He prayed again, an angel appeared unto Him from Heaven and strengthened Him, but the agony was great as He prayed more earnestly. Knowing the pain and torture He was about to endure caused His sweat to become as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Lk 22:42-44)

Jesus came and found them asleep again and warned them to watch and prayed. The third time Jesus came back, He found them asleep again. The spirit was willing to pray, but the flesh was weak and wanted to sleep. Because of it, they missed what had transpired while Jesus prayed.

Jesus woke them saying, “Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth Me is at hand.” 

I have to wonder what the disciples were thinking and feeling at that moment. Their minds were probably still in a fog as they were awaking out of their sleep and trying to understand what Jesus was saying and meaning.

Suddenly, Judas is there as well as a great multitude carrying swords and staves.

Judas walked up to Jesus and kissed Him, saying, “Hail, Master.” for he had told the multitude that whomever he kissed was the one that they were to arrest. Jesus did not fight back. He did call Judas a name...despite his betrayal, Jesus called him, “Friend” as He asked, “betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” (Lk 22:48 + Mt 26:50)

I believe Jesus was reaching one more time for Judas’ soul to let Him know His arms of mercy and forgiveness were stretched out still...if he would only repent.

The disciples were ready to fight for Jesus. Peter grabbed a sword and cut off the right ear of the servant of the High Priest. I wonder if he was trying to prove to Jesus that he wouldn’t betray Him. He was ready to stand and fight. But Jesus told him to put away his sword as He touched the servant’s ear and healed him. (Mt 26:51-52 + Lk 22:49-50)

The chief priests and captains took Jesus and brought Him into the High Priest’s home. Peter followed from afar off. (Lk 22:54-55) It was a chilly night so someone kindled a fire in the midst of the hall. Peter dared to come closer as he took a seat amongst them. 

It was dark. Surely, he would blend in with the crowd. But a certain woman noticed him and pointed out, “This man was also with Him.” Peter became scared and denied it saying, “woman, I know Him not.” The same Peter who said even if everyone else denied Jesus, he would not!

A little while later, someone else recognized Peter and pointed out that he was a follower of Jesus. Peter adamantly responded, “I am not!” An hour later, someone else pointed him out as a follower of Jesus because he is a Galilean. Peter was really scared now as he cursed and swore saying, “I know not the man!” Immediately, the cock crew. (Lk 22:54-62 + Mt 26:74)

Jesus could hear Peter. I wonder how He felt at that moment as He turned and looked at Peter. He never said a word. He just looked at him. Peter looked at Jesus. He quickly left and wept bitterly as he remembered His warning. His spirit had been willing to die for Jesus but his flesh was weak. (Lk 22:61-62)

Those that held Jesus began to mock Him and smite Him. They blindfolded Him and struck Him on the face as they demanded, “Prophesy and tell us who it was that smote Thee?” The spoke many other blasphemous things against Him, yet Jesus opened not His mouth.

The council decided to put Jesus to death so when morning came, they bound Him and led Him away to Pontius Pilate, the governor.

Jesus stood before Pilate. Pilate asked Him, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?” Jesus said unto him, “thou sayest.” The chief priests and elders accused Him of many things before Pilate yet Jesus did not answer them. Pilate asked Him, “Hearest thou not how many things they witness against Thee?” Yet Jesus would not answer causing Pilate to marvel greatly. Most would argue their defense and plead their cause, yet Jesus opened not His mouth.

The Governor had a custom where he would release one prisoner of their choosing on the feast day. He knew the chief priests had brought Jesus to him out of envy so Pilate decided to ask the people which were gathered to the feast which prisoner they preferred to be released....Barabbas or Jesus?

As Pilate sat on the Judgment Seat, his wife pleaded with him to have nothing to do with that just man, Jesus. She told Pilate she had suffered many things in a dream because of Him. I speculate Pilate saw this as a sure way to release Jesus. Barabbas was a murderer while Jesus had done much good and performed miracles amongst the people.

But the crowd began to cry out for Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. Pilate asked them, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” They ALL said unto Pilate, “let Him be crucified!” Pilate tried to intercede for Jesus, asking, “WHY? What evil hath He done?” But they cried out the more saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 

When Pilate realized their minds were set and there was nothing more he could do, he asked for a pitcher of water, washed his hands before the multitude and said, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”

They scourged Jesus with a whip until the flesh of His back was torn wide open. He was bleeding and in pain as the soldiers led Jesus away, stripped Him of His own garment which was clinging to His wounded back replacing it with a scarlet robe. They placed a platted crown of thorns cruelly upon His head and a reed into his right hand, bowed their knee and mocked Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” as they spit on Him and hit Him on the head, driving those thorns down into His skull.

They stripped the scarlet robe back off from Him and placed His own raiment on Him, then led Jesus away to be crucified. As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon, whom they compelled to bear His cross all the way up the hill to a place called Golgotha, meaning a place of a skull.

They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall (which was a bitter herb like myrrh to help numb the pain some). When Jesus tasted it, He would not drink it...meaning Jesus felt and endured EVERY TORMENTING PAIN.

They stripped Him of His garment and laid Him on the cross. The wounds on His back festered against the splinters of the cross. Then, Jesus felt every hammer blow and the final thud as they nailed Him to that cruel cross and placed it in the ground. 

He’s hanging there in excruciating pain beyond human endurance coursing through His cold and naked body. The soldiers continued to mock as they gambled to see who was going to get His clothes. They sat there and watched Him, but every time they or anyone looked at the cross, they would see the sign above His head which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Those that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads. Some mocked, saying, “Thou that destroyest the Temple and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Others mocked, “He saved others yet Himself He cannot save.” 

For 3 hours, from noon until 3pm, there was darkness over all the land. For 3 hours, Jesus writhed in torturous pain, gasping for breath. Until finally, He cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” (meaning: My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Then Jesus cried out again and died.

Suddenly, there was a great earthquake and the veil in the Temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom....a feat that only the hand of God could do. The centurion and soldiers with him became very afraid, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Joseph, a rich man of Arimathaea and disciple of Jesus, went boldly before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus so that he may bury Him. Pilate marvelled that Jesus was already dead and called for the centurion to confirm the news. When it was confirmed, Pilate gave permission to take His body down so Joseph could bury Jesus.

Joseph bought fine linen and wrapped Jesus’ body in that linen then laid Him in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone across the door, and departed. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (possibly Lazarus’ sister) sat nearby. They had not had time to anoint His body for burial, but Mary had already anointed it with her expensive perfume when she had poured it over His head only a few days prior.

It seemed it was over.

Jesus was dead and buried.

It seemed hope had died with Him.

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Easter (Resurrection morning) is only a few days away.

This holiday is supposed to be when we remember all that Jesus went through to purchase our Redemption. The pain. The agony. The scourging. The blood. The nails. The cruel cross of Calvary.

 

And yet, Jesus is not the first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think about Easter. They think of the family gathering to have a special dinner with kids squealing in delight as they hunt for Easter eggs afterward.

They all exlaim excitedly about what the easter bunny left for them to find.

There will be lots of candy and decorations with Easter eggs and bunnies and chickies and vibrant spring colors. 

Rarely will you find any symbols that commerate the true reason for what Easter is about. Rarely will you find anything that reminds a person of the Cross, the Crown of Thorns, the empty tomb or the intense suffering and excruciating pain that Jesus went through to purchase our salvation.

Sadly, there are many who will not go to Church rarely or at all - yet on Easter they will seek out a Church that has fun things going on for the kids. And Churches are glad they come, even if for that one day out of the year.

But....I wonder how it makes Jesus feel?

It should have been each of us hanging on that Cross. We deserve to die for our sins, but instead Jesus took our place.

He went through hours of pain beyond the threshold of what normal flesh can endure, and yet He did it because He loves us.

I often wonder how it makes Jesus feel when the focus of Easter is centered more-so around eggs and bunnies than about the Lamb of God who died in our place.

I really do wonder how it makes Jesus feel?

I don’t ever want to treat His sacrifice lightly. There’s a song that asks “Does He Still Feel the Nails?”

We must never allow the focus of Easter become more about anything other than Jesus and His sacrifice. Because I want Jesus to know I remember, I am grateful and I care how He feels.

 

 

 

 

 

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