Christ’s crucifixion - Faasatauroina o Keriso

Scripture Focus: Luka 23:26-49

When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus. A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?” There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. All his acquaintances, and the women who followed with him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
- Luke 23:26-49 (WEB)

Study:

This passage details the harrowing journey to and the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. We see the immense suffering inflicted upon him – burdened with the cross, mocked by soldiers and rulers, and ultimately, dying a painful death. However, amidst the brutality, there are striking moments of grace. Jesus’ forgiveness of his tormentors (“Father, forgive them”), His compassion for the weeping women of Jerusalem, and His promise of paradise to a repentant thief demonstrate His unwavering love and mercy. The darkness that fell over the land and the tearing of the temple veil signify the profound spiritual significance of this event – the end of the old covenant and the dawn of a new one. Even the centurion, a Roman soldier, recognizes Jesus’ righteousness, highlighting the universal impact of His sacrifice.

Application:

Jesus' crucifixion is a powerful reminder of the cost of our sin and the immeasurable love of God. It calls us to reflect on the sacrifices made for our salvation. While we may not face physical crucifixion, we are called to daily deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. We can emulate His forgiveness by extending grace to those who have wronged us, and to find hope and solace in His promise of eternal life. His compassion for those suffering should also inspire us to care for the vulnerable and marginalized in our communities.

Reflection Questions:

• How does knowing the depth of Jesus’ suffering impact your understanding of His love for you?
• In what ways can you demonstrate forgiveness towards those who have hurt you?
• What are some “crosses” you are currently carrying in your life? How can you find strength in Jesus’ example?
• How does the tearing of the temple veil speak to the accessibility of God through Jesus?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for Your ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Forgive us for our sins and help us to understand the depth of Your love. Give us the strength to follow You, to forgive others, and to live lives that honour Your name. Amen.

Tags: Christ, Crucifixion, Luke, Gospel, Holy Week, Good Friday, Forgiveness, Redemption, Salvation, Sacrifice, Sin, Mercy, Cross, Paradise