The Cross or the Crucifixion

Luke 23:32-43. Jesus dies on the cross. Jesus was nailed to the cross and left to die.

Jesus’ death on a cross was not a tragedy but an achievement. Can you think of the reasons why?

We get the word “crucifixion” from the Latin word “crucifigere.

The Romans used this form of capital punishment on a regular basis.

Persians invented the Crucifixion system as a form of death, but it was the Romans that perfected it as a form of torture and capital punishment that was designed to produce a slow death with maximum pain and suffering.

The literal translation in Greek of “it is finished” is “Paid in full.” See John 19:30.

Background Reading:

Jesus is Crucified – The Crucifixion

32 Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus. 33 When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 Jesus kept saying, “Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they’re doing.” Then they divided his clothes among them by throwing dice.

35 Meanwhile, the people stood looking on. The leaders were mocking him by saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if he is the Messiah of God, the chosen one!”

36 The soldiers also made fun of Jesus by coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 saying, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “The King of the Jews.”

39 Now one of the criminals hanging there kept insulting him, “You are the Messiah, aren’t you? Save yourself…and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him, “Aren’t you afraid of God, since you are suffering the same penalty? 41 We have been condemned justly, because we are getting what we deserve for what we have done, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he went on to plead, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!”

43 Jesus told him, “I tell you with certainty, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:26-43
Also read: Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:24-33, John 19:17-30.


Other modules in this unit: