Crucifixion
The Bible says, “But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For
he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release
Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom
ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done?
And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas
unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.” Mark 15:9-15 (KJV)
At one point early in Julius Caesar’s political career, feelings ran so high against
him that he thought it best to leave Rome. He sailed for the Aegean island of Rhodes, but en route the ship was attacked by
pirates and Caesar was captured. The pirates demanded a ransom of 12,000 gold pieces, and Caesar's staff was sent away to
arrange the payment. Caesar spent almost 40 days with his captors, jokingly telling the pirates on several occasions that
he would someday capture and crucify them to a man. The kidnappers were greatly amused, but when the ransom was paid and Caesar
was freed, the first thing he did was gather a fleet and pursue the pirates. They were captured and crucified ... to a man!
Such was the Romans’ attitude toward crucifixion. It was to be reserved for the worst of criminals, a means of showing
extreme contempt for the condemned. The suffering and humiliation of a Roman crucifixion were unequaled.
Christ Jesus suffered this ignominious death for you and for me. What might the Father do to those
who reject His offer of the free gift of eternal life? Tis worse that that which Christ suffered for us. It is eternal
and they without hope!
Daily Chronological Bible Reading: Matthew 27; Mark 15