Death of Jesus

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Jesus... Luke 23:33

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Crucifixion of Jesus An image of Jesus on the cross.
RELATED TOPICS	Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19 Good Friday, Cross, Atonement, Forgiveness Resurrection of Jesus
SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS	* Matthew 27 - Passionate Forgiveness (G.G.)
CONTENTS

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (contains violent video)
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Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem around the year 30 AD. In his death, the Bible tells us, he bore all the sins of mankind, so that we could be clean and without sin. His death is remembered on Good Friday but it is not the end of the story. Three days later he appeared to his disciples, risen from the dead and Christians believe that he is alive today.

Events leading up to Jesus' death

Human factors behind the crucifixion

The death of Jesus did not happen spontaneously. In many ways it was premeditated. During his ministry there was an increasing push by the religious and political leaders of the Jews to have him executed.

A major reason why the Jewish authorities wanted him dead was that they believed him to be guilty of blasphemy. This claim is directly acknowledged in John 10:33, Mark 2 and Mark 14:61-64. To the Jewish leaders, the fact that Jesus was placing himself equal with God was a very serious thing.

Another significant human reason for Jesus' death was the Pharisee's and Sadducee's increasing jealousy of Jesus. He was increasingly popular with the common people and they were not.

Although the Jews at the time of Jesus had a great expectation of a Messiah, they generally did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. There was an expectation of a military leader who would overthorw the Romans and restore a mighty earthly kingdom. Jesus, instead, offered a picture of a suffering servant as the Messiah. This was something that the people did not expect, nor want, and this may have contributed to people plotting against Jesus. An example of this clash of expectations can be seen in John 6 where the people try to force Jesus to be king, but he does not accept this.

Human reasoning played a part in the rejection of Jesus. Leading Jews were worried about the loss of their political power - there is evidence that they felt that Jesus would stir up the Romans so that they would lose their place. This is noted in [[John 11]:48-50, after the resurrection of Lazarus.

Leading Jews also hated that Jesus challenged their authority. For example, in Luke 19, Jesus challenged their authority when he over-turned tables in the Temple. This anger likely contributed to the plots against Jesus.

When Jesus was brought before Roman justice, Pilate's fear of an uprising led to his judgement of execution of justice. This is seen in Mark 15.

Christian understandings of God's reasons for the crucifixion of his Son

Christians understand that the death of Jesus was ultimately part of God's plan for the redemption of his people. In his death, Jesus fulfilled prophecy. In his death, he brought forgiveness, which can be understood from different perspectives from the Gospels

• Sacrificial - Matthew 26 - "poured out for the forgiveness of sins"
• Ransom - Mark 14:25 - "ransom for many"
• Substitutionary atonement - John 10 - "lay down his life for his sheep"
• Draw all men to Jesus - John 12

Jesus' death also has eschatological significance, where it ushers in the Kingdom of God (Mark 14:25).

Prophecy in the Old Testament

The death of Jesus is foretold in the Old Testament. As early as the book of Genesis there are hints of it. Abraham is told by God that it is through his children, all people of the world will be saved. More explicit prophecies can be found in the wisdom and prophetic books, especially in Psalms and the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah 53 is a beautiful and well-known passage in which the life and death of Jesus and its meaning is foretold.

Text

The story is told in all the gospel accounts. It can be found in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19. Below is the text from Matthew 27

Quotes

An extract from Bruce Barton's book The Man Nobody Knows

On a barren hill beyond the city walls they nailed His body to the cross. Two robbers were crucified with Him. It was over. The rabble sickened quickly of its revenge and scattered; His friends were hiding; the soldiers were busy casting lots for His garments. There was nothing left of those external influences which fire men's imaginations. Surely the victory of His enemies was complete. And yet - the lasting victory was His. "The man who loses his life," Jesus said, "shall find it."

An extract from I will love you for the cross by Matt Redman

Jesus Christ the sinner's friend.

Does this kindness know no bounds?

With your precious blood you have purchased me

Oh the mystery of the cross

You were punished, you were crushed

But that punishment has become my peace

Yes that punishment has become my peace

And I love you for the cross

I'm overwhelmed by the mystery

I love you for the cost

That Jesus you would do this for me

When you were broken, you were beaten

You were punished, I go free

When you were wounded and rejected

In your mercy I am healed

Links

• Wikipedia - Death and Resurrection of Jesus
• Theopedia - Atonement of Christ

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