Saturday, April 1st

Signs, Spectators, and Soldiers

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”

Matthew 27:39-40

Read John 19:19-24

Crucifixions were a public exhibition of torture. This kind of cruel punishment was not hidden from the people. In fact, it was performed right along the highway for all to see. It was to be a deterrent to crime and a statement to enemies. Anyone passing by would be reminded of the power of the Roman empire.

To underscore the humiliation of Jesus, Pilate extended the tragic comedy to those of other languages who would be traveling that particular route. He had a sign crafted in three languages; Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so everyone could be in on the joke. Nailed above this broken man was the sign, King of the Jews.

The public exhibition of crucifixion also gave people a macabre permission to hurl insults. If the thief had stolen your possessions, this was a good time to curse him. So the One who claimed to be King received His measure of insults. “If you are Messiah, then show us! Come down off the cross!” But, of course, the redemption of those who taunted Him was dependent on Christ’s remaining right where He was.

Like salt in a wound, the soldiers gambled for the last possession of Jesus, His seamless robe. Ridiculed, humiliated, and crucified, He died for you. Will you live for Him?

Something to think about

1. How would you respond to crucifixion crosses along the road?

2. How do you respond to the cross of Christ?

3. Read the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” by Isaac Watts.