Holy Week: A Journey With MatthewSample

Friday | The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

While the record does not state so expressly, evidently Jesus was unable to carry the cross, and this was slowing down the progress of the group (Matt 27:32). When we remember that Jesus had been awake all night, scourged, and abused by the soldiers, we can conclude that He was simply exhausted, and in pain.

The custom was to give a narcotic drink to those about to be crucified, for this would help ease the pain. But Jesus refused that drink; He did the will of God in complete control of His faculties (Matt 27:34). A sign above his head said ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews’.

Matthew is devastated by the suffering.

Matthew would have known that this was no way for such a King to die. He would have been devastated by the suffering and death of the one he followed. The Jewish rulers did not approve of what was written on the sign, but for once Pilate did not capitulate (John 19:21-22). This sign is perhaps the first ever gospel tract. It announced to the two revolutionaries who were crucified with Jesus that Jesus was the Savior and a King. One believed this message and asked Jesus to save him (Luke 23:40-43). That man was saved wholly by grace; it was the gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9). He did not deserve it, nor did he earn it. Jesus still saves those who believe and proclaim Him to be their resurrection King (Romans 10:9).

A follower’s response: Pain

Crucifixion is one of the most horrific forms of death ever devised by man, and Psalm 22 contains some of the language of anguished lament that Jesus uttered on the cross.

But Jesus had taught that there was a cost to being His follower (Matt 16:24) and Dietrich Bonhoeffer alluded to this in 1937, in perhaps the most famous theological sentence of the twentieth century:“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”*

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I give you thanks for calling me to you. Help me to turn from my various selfish ways and find my sufficiency and purpose in being your disciple and follower. Thank you for your sacrificial love; may my life reflect your love and glorify you alone.

* Os Guinness, The Call. Thomas Nelson, 2003. P.206