The Crucifiction

This last Sunday at the English fellowship we were watching a video where American Pastor Andy Stanely talked about the day Jesus died. He talked about how crucifiction was reserved only for enemies of Rome and never a Roman citizen. He talked about how much detail is in the bible of those hours prior to and up to the crucifiction. Clearly it was so important that these details were left in. He went through the detail of the trial. The only way Jesus could be crucified would be if he was an enemy of Rome. Pilot did not believe he was and yet Jesus did not answer any of the questions. He was silent. Andy talked about how when he was asked if he was king of the Jews he would not have had to answer. But Jesus answered knowing full well that particular question would fit him for the qualification of an enemy of Rome and crucifiction. It is stated again and again that Jesus laid his life down willingly but I think I have often fallen into the temptation of thinking it was Rome, Pilot, Jews, etc. But by answering the question he condemned himself, willingly. Willingly as Abraham and Isaac on the alter.

It was also interesting to here him talk about how the cross was not an accepted icon of the church until all the people who had seen a crucifiction where dead. The cross was a shameful way to die. Anyone who had seen a crucifiction would not want to have any association with such an act.

Andy went on to talk about how Rome had devised a crucifiction to be as painful as possible, actually nailing their rists above their head instead of out like is always depicted. They put a platform under their feet so that it would take a lot longer to die. He also talked about the flogging Jesus received which often left people dead. The more I thought of it the more I realized inside that I would never, ever, ever be able to do what Jesus did. At least not willingly and I would not go peacefully. I hate pain. We have many movies that show of heros, saviours, I can think of Braveheart for example where the heros die for a cause. It is one thing to see someone crucified, a victim of the system or oppression but would anyone in this world condemn themselves. Especially without a fight? Without stubborness? Without a hope for justice? Would anybody? God even chose a time in history when capital punishment was a horrific cross. Would it be the same if Jesus was lethally injected?

All I could think of to respond to such an act of courage and will is "Worthy, worthy, worthy is the lamb of glory". Because he was willing, I don't have to.