Year of the Bible: Part Nine of Twelve預覽

The Crucifixion’s Ministry

The crucifixion was a typical style of criminal execution. The crucifixion process typically started after the trial and continued until the last breath of the crucified. An unfair trial sentenced Jesus to crucifixion though He was innocent. However, Jesus willingly went through the process, knowing He was the sin offering that would redeem anyone who acknowledged Him as Messiah. Only God could use an execution device as an altar for redemption.

By the grace of God, Jesus turned His execution into a ministry. By observing the process of this crucifixion, we can identify key moments where Jesus ministered to witnesses. The crucifixion’s ministry may be hard to identify because of its somber display. Nevertheless, Jesus persevered to complete the ministry with great love and care for the people.

The ministry began when Jesus accepted Simon’s help in carrying the cross. Most criminals would have died at this moment, but Jesus persisted till the end of His crucifixion. He witnessed to the women as they wept in sorrow for Him. Persecuted and hung on a cross, Jesus asked God to forgive Jesus’ murderers because they didn’t fully understand the weight of their actions. Two criminals were crucified next to Jesus, and even in His last few moments, Jesus ministered to them. One of the criminals repented at that moment, and Jesus reconciled him into the glory of God. Then, Jesus surrendered His life as a sin offering, knowing the crucifixion would bring death and His resurrection would be a ministry with an eternal legacy.

Question: What key points of the crucifixion’s ministry stand out and why?

Prayer: Thank God for Jesus's ministry during the crucifixion and take a moment to praise Him for it. Ask for insight to understand the purpose of challenging circumstances.