“There they crucified Him” John 19:18

We continue our study of the Gospel of John.   Picking up at verse 16, of Chapter 19, we read these words written by John, who was an eye witness and saw it all.  He writes:

“Finally Pilate handed Him over to them to be crucified.  So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.)
There they crucified Him and with Him two others – one on each side and Jesus in the middle.”  (John 19: 16-18)
In our study, we have come to one of the most powerful visual events in the story of mankind, and God Almighty; showing the Love of our Abba Father, and our Messiah Christ Jesus for us, His Children:   The crucifixion of our Lord Jesus, the Man.
Crucifixion was the most horrible way to die being used by the Romans at that time. They used it as a way of control and intimidation.  By design, it was very long, drawn-out, and painful.  It was usually used for those with low status or someone who had committed a crime against the state. It was used to publically humiliate slaves and criminals; the person could last for days before dying.  In the case of Jesus, He had challenged the Roman supremacy by stating that He was King of the Jews.  At that point, it did not matter to the Jews what Pilate used, though they would ask HIm later to change the sign he had made that proclaimed Jesus to be their King – they just wanted Jesus dead, and out of the way.  It appears even though Pilate did not feel Jesus had done anything wrong, as in leading a rebellion, He handed Jesus over to the Jews to be crucified to appease them, and used this charge as justification to have Him executed.
There are some variations in the biblical accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus as we study the main 4 Gospels; such as John not saying anything about the Lord’s cross being carried part of the way by someone else.  But they all include the event. And though we Christians talk about Jesus being ‘nailed’ to the cross, none of the 4 Gospels say He was nailed.  At that time, a person could be nailed to the cross, or tied to the cross, so there is debate about it.  (The Nails symbolize His Passion.)  Though there was no mention of how the Lord was crucified in the Word, we see what we as believers  confirms nails being used by the words spoken by The Lord Jesus to Thomas who had said after the resurrection: “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe”  Later in the first week of His resurrection Jesus came and stood among the Disciples and said, “Peace be with you!”  Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”  (John 20: 24-27)
Therefore, we believe after receiving a horrible beating, Jesus allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross there at Golgotha, and to be crucified as our propitiation.  He took our place on that cross.  He died for us to set us free from sin, and death when we believe in Him.  Let us never take that incredible act of Love for granted.  His Beating, and Crucifixion could not have been more painful.   His resurrection three days later could not have been more beautiful. Let us give Him the praise and the love that amazing act of grace so deserves.  Let us share the Good News at every opportunity every day.  He loves us so. He showed us His unconditional Love, and glorious grace on the cross -let us show Him our love in return as we walk with Him in the Way, and represent His Love in this world.?
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