Being crucified was the most shameful punishment the Romans had, reserved for the worst criminal offenders. Those who saw the movie The Passion of the Christ were able to visually and emotionally understand just what it entailed. It was a painful and excruciating way to die.
What many may not know is that Jesus’ crucifixion and death was prophesied centuries before it took place. So Jesus was well aware of what he had to face.
Many Old Testament references seem to refer to what actually happened.
- He would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. (Zehariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-4)
- A close friend would betray him. (Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:48)
- His back would be beaten. (Isaiah 50:6; Luke 22:63)
- He would be spit upon. (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67)
- His hands and feet would be pierced. (Psalm 22:16)
- His garments would be divided and lots would be cast for them. (Psalm 22:18; John 19:23, 24)
- He would thirst on the cross. (Psalm 22:15; John 19:28)
- He would be given vinegar and gall to drink. (Psalm 69:21; John 19:28-30)
- It was the custom to break the legs of the crucified but Jesus’ bones would not be broken. (Psalm 34:20; John 19:31-37)
- A crucified person was not given a burial, but generally left to rot or be eaten by animals. Yet Jesus was buried in a tomb. (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:59-60)
There is so much more – too much to be coincidence.
Amazingly Jesus himself knew all these ancient texts and what he would have to endure. His destiny was to die in our place for our sins (Isaiah 53:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 15:3). His was not an easy mission. In fact he prayed, “Father, if possible, may this cup be taken from me….” He needed God’s strength for the task ahead. “If it is not possible, may your will be done.” (Matthew 26:39-42)
In spite of agonizing because he knew what would happen to him, he willingly became our sacrifice. He died for us – for you and for me – to free us from our sins.
What was his motive? It couldn’t have been to get something from us. We have nothing to offer. It had to be love – unrequited, genuine, unconditional LOVE! The Bible says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” (1 John 3:16)
It’s hard to believe that someone could love us that much, but God does. (John 3:16) Jesus gave himself for us – totally, willingly, and unconditionally.
What does that mean for us? It means that once we accept God’s love in our lives we no longer feel condemned. Christ was not sent to condemn us, but to save us. (John 3:17) There is no condemnation for those in Christ. (Romans 8:1-2) Jesus’ crucifixion and death has set us free from the law of sin and death. Christ has given us a great gift – his life!
