115: The Crucifixion Of Jesus

Previous

Matthew 27:33-35, 39-44; Mark 15:23-32; Luke 23:33-43; John 19:17-27

The Crucifixion Of Jesus

When they had arrived at Calvary Jesus was given vinegar mingled with gall, which he tasted slightly but would not drink.

Then Jesus and the two common criminals were all nailed to crosses: one on the left, one on the right, with Jesus in the center.

Jesus said:

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

Then Pilate made a sign that was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. It was put on top of Jesus’ cross. It read:

JESUS OF NAZARETH

THE KING OF THE JEWS

The chief priests objected to the sign, saying to Pilate:

“Write not ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’”

Pilate answered:

“What I have written I have written.”

The four soldiers who had crucified Jesus took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each. His coat, however, was in one piece, without seam. The soldiers did not tear it but said to one another:

“Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.”

Thus was the Scripture fulfilled which said:

“They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots.”

The spectators, the chief priests, elders, scribes, the soldiers who had crucified him, and even one of the common criminals on his cross reviled and mocked Jesus.

The scribes and elders said:

“He saved others. Himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God. Let him deliver him now, if he will have him; for he said, “I am the Son of God.’”

Others said:

“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.”

The soldiers offered him vinegar to drink, saying:

“If thou be the King of the Jews, save thyself.”

Some said:

“He saved others. Let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.”

While those around the cross were reviling Jesus, one of the criminals joined in, saying:

“If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”

The other rebuked him, saying:

“Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done nothing amiss.”

Then he turned to Jesus and said:

“Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”

And Jesus answered him, saying:

“Verily I say unto thee, ‘Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.’”

Standing in the shadow of the cross was Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his mother’s sister, also called Mary, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus saw the disciple whom he loved standing by. From the cross Jesus said to his mother regarding this disciple.

“Woman, behold thy son!”

Then he said to the disciple:

“Behold thy mother!”

From that hour the disciple became a son to Jesus’ mother and welcomed her into his home.

Next