Jesus is Led Away to be Crucified
May 15, 2021
Commentary
When Jesus left Pilate’s judgment hall, he was carrying the cross. This was part of a prisoner’s humiliation that he carry his own cross. However, because of physical exhaustion Jesus was unable to carry it very far. A man named Simon, from the town of Cyrene in North Africa, was forced to carry it (v. 26). Luke is the only gospel that mentions the tears of the Jewish women while Jesus was being led through the streets to his execution (vv. 27-31). He told them not to weep for Him but for themselves. He knew that in only about 40 years, Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed by the Romans.
The place called Calvary was probably located on a hill outside Jerusalem along a main road. The Romans executed people publicly as examples to the people who passed by (vv. 32-33). The places on Jesus right and on his left were taken by two criminals. This shows how a person who wants to be close to Jesus must also be prepared to suffer and die also. Jesus asked the Father to forgive the people who were putting him to death (v. 34). Roman soldiers customarily divided up the clothing of executed criminals among themselves and this was no exception. Several Old Testament prophesies were fulfilled as Jesus was crucified (vv. 35-43):
He died between two thieves (Isa. 53:12)The soldiers gambled for His clothes (Psa. 22:18)They mocked Him (Psa. 22:6-8)They offered Him vinegar to drink (Psa. 69:21)
Application
Jesus’ final statement from the cross was, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” Because I know Jesus as my Savior I can die with this same confidence and assurance (Phil. 1:20-23).
Luke 23:26– 43 (NET)
26 As they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country. They placed the cross on his back and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A great number of the people followed him, among them women who were mourning and wailing for him. 28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For this is certain: The days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore children, and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ 31 For if such things are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two other criminals were also led away to be executed with him. 33 So when they came to the place that is called “The Skull,” they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 [But Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”] Then they threw dice to divide his clothes. 35 The people also stood there watching, but the leaders ridiculed him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, his chosen one!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the king of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who was hanging there railed at him, saying, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we rightly so, for we are getting what we deserve for what we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Illustration: Rembrandt Painting Showed Nailing Jesus to the Cross
If you were to look at Rembrandt’s painting of The Three Crosses, your attention would be drawn first to the center cross on which Jesus died. Then as you would look at the crowd gathered around the foot of that cross, you’d be impressed by the various facial expressions and actions of the people involved in the awful crime of crucifying the Son of God. Finally, your eyes would drift to the edge of the painting and catch sight of another figure, almost hidden in the shadows. Art critics say this is a representation of Rembrandt himself, for he recognized that by his sins he helped nail Jesus to the cross. (Source Unknown).