Passion WeekSample

Instruments of Suffering

The cross was painful enough, but to crucify this "criminal," the Romans made it altogether excruciating.

Traditionally, the Romans attached criminals to their crosses with ropes; using spikes was an added instance of cruelty. Setting a crown of thorns - sharp enough and strong enough to literally dig beneath the skin - onto Jesus' head was a further act of hateful malice, completely unnecessary and without precedent.