Friday, March 31st

Death by Crucifixion

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

Luke 23:33 Read or sing the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Once the prisoner arrived at the place of His execution, he dropped the cross piece he had been carrying. Simon, in Jesus’ case, was dismissed, having performed the task of carrying the wooden beam. Jesus was then stretched out on the wood. The beam that was carried was attached or set atop another thus creating a wooden cross.

There were different types of crosses, some being more of a “T” than a cross. Because of the sign fixed over Jesus’ head, He was most likely on a cross much like the traditional rendering we are used to seeing.

The most painful part was the initial nailing of the limbs to the wooden structure. Sometimes a mixture of wine and myrrh was offered to help deaden the pain. Jesus refused it. Each hand was stretched out and nailed between the bones, sometimes at the wrist, to hold the criminal in place. The feet were gathered together with one spike through the arch of the foot.

Death was slow and agonizing. The body would cramp, causing the person to push up on the spikes, but fatigue would overwhelm the muscles. The back, raw from scourging, would rub on the rough-hewn timber. Breathing was next to impossible. Eventually the dying man’s compressed heart would struggle to pump and his burning lungs would be suffocated as he gasped his last breath. It is no wonder that the law stated, “... for he who is hanged is accursed of God.” (Deuteronomy 21:23b NKJV).

Something to think about

1. What is the worst part of the cross to you?

2. How does your Savior understand your suffering?

3. Bow in silence as you remember the cross.