Primary Texts: Matthew 27:27-56; John 19:17-30
Memory Verse: And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:17-19
Introduction:
The cross was the most disgraceful and one of the cruelest instruments of death ever utilized to put criminals to death. The Romans, who borrowed it from the Carthaginians, wouldn’t allow a Roman citizen, despite their crimes, to be crucified. Of all the tortuous deaths that could be experienced, being nailed to a cross until death ensued the most extreme anguish and suffering.
First, the upright was planted firmly in the ground and then the condemned was laid down with arms extended on the crossbar to which they were fastened by cords and then with nails through the palms. Then the transom was raised to its position on the upright and nailed while the body was left to swing or its weight rested on an iron saddle peg driven into the upright. Following this, the feet were nailed either through the instep separately, or both together with a single iron spike. The victim was then left to hang in agony until death from pain and starvation overcame them.
Yet, what likely plunged the Son of God to the lowest depths of despair in His sufferings was feeling the withdrawal of God’s Spirit from Him. “’Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is translated ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Mark 15:34). Jesus cried. Although He had won the battle to resolve Himself completely to the Father’s will as He prayed in Gethsemane, now here was the ultimate expression of His sacrifice: the total withdrawal of the Divine presence from Him. With darkness cast over the entire area, God’s only begotten Son completed the purpose for which He had been born.
“Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6).
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Describe the beating given to Jesus by the Roman soldiers and examine the manner in which they tried to humiliate Him. Matthew 27:27-30; Mark 15:16-19
- Discuss the events of the short journey from Pilate’s judgment hall to Golgotha. Matthew 27:31-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-27, 32; John 19:17
- Why did Jesus respond as He did to the women weeping for Him? Luke 23:28-31
- What amazing fulfillment of prophecy occurred concerning Jesus’ clothing? Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; John 19:23-24; Psalm 22:8
- Why was there a controversy over the inscription placed upon Jesus’ cross? Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; John 19:19-22
- What languages was the inscription written in? Luke 23:38
- What amazing thing happened during the interaction Jesus had with the two thieves with whom He was crucified? Luke 23:39-43
- Discuss how the second thief, to whom was promised a place in paradise, could be forgiven of his sins and accepted into God’s kingdom. Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:8-11; 5:1-2, 8
- What striking difference was there in the specific manner in which Jesus died from every other person who has ever died? Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30
- Describe the significance of the unusual setting and events that transpired at the death of Jesus Christ. Matthew 27:51-54; Mark 15:38-39; Luke 23:44-48
Discuss the commendable faithfulness of the women who had followed the Lord, and who with sorrow attended His crucifixion out of love for Him. Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 23:49; John 19:25-27