The Crucifixion is a central event in the Christian faith, marking the death of Jesus Christ, who was sentenced to death by crucifixion by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. The event is believed to have occurred circa 30-33 AD. The Crucifixion led to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event that solidified the foundation of Christianity. Notable characters involved in the event include Jesus Christ, Pontius Pilate, Judas Iscariot, the Sanhedrin, Mary (mother of Jesus), and the Roman soldiers.
Background to The Crucifixion
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. He grew up in Nazareth and began his public ministry around the age of 30. Jesus preached about the kingdom of God, performed miracles, and gathered a following of disciples. The religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, viewed Jesus as a threat to their authority.
Biblical Timeline
- The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30): Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, predicting his betrayal by one of them and instituting the Eucharist.
- The Betrayal and Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11): Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, and arrested by the temple guards.
- The trial before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:63-71; John 18:12-14, 19-24): Jesus is put on trial before the Jewish religious authorities, who accuse him of blasphemy and seek his death.
- The trial before Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-19:16): Jesus is brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who finds no fault in him but ultimately succumbs to the pressure of the crowd, sentencing Jesus to be crucified.
- The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-37): Jesus is crucified between two criminals on a hill called Golgotha, or the Place of the Skull. Soldiers cast lots for his clothes, and a sign above his head reads “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” After several hours, Jesus dies and is buried in a nearby tomb.
The Purpose of the Crucifixion
The Crucifixion is central to the Christian doctrine of salvation, as it is through Jesus’ death on the cross that humanity’s sins are atoned for, and believers can achieve eternal life. The Crucifixion served several purposes that ultimately contributed to the salvation of humanity.
Atonement for Sin
The Crucifixion is seen as a sacrificial act, in which Jesus, as the sinless Son of God, took upon himself the sins of the world and paid the penalty for them through his death (Isaiah 53:4-6; 1 Peter 2:24). This concept of atonement finds its roots in the Old Testament, where the blood of sacrificed animals was used to atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). Jesus is considered the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling and replacing the need for animal sacrifices in the process (Hebrews 10:1-18).
Reconciliation with God
Humanity’s sin created a separation between God and his creation, but through Jesus’ death on the cross, that separation was bridged, and reconciliation was made possible (Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Jesus’ sacrifice allows believers to be forgiven, cleansed of their sins, and reconciled to God (Colossians 1:19-22).
Victory over Sin and Death
Jesus’ death on the cross was not the end of the story, as he was resurrected three days later, demonstrating his victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). The Crucifixion and Resurrection together signify the defeat of the power of sin and death, promising eternal life to those who believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as their Lord and Savior (John 3:16; Romans 6:23).
Demonstration of God’s Love
The Crucifixion is also a powerful demonstration of God’s love for humanity. Despite human sinfulness, God sent his only Son to die on the cross to redeem and save his creation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). This act of selfless love serves as a model for Christian believers, encouraging them to love others as Christ loved them (Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 4:9-11).
In summary, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ plays a pivotal role in the Christian understanding of salvation. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, humanity’s sins are atoned for, and believers are reconciled with God, victorious over sin and death, and can attain eternal life. The Crucifixion also serves as a testament to God’s immense love for his creation, inspiring Christians to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by loving others.
Additional Notes
Extrabiblical References to The Crucifixion
The Crucifixion is also mentioned in non-biblical sources, which provide evidence for its historical authenticity. These sources include:
- Josephus: A first-century Jewish historian, who wrote about Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate in his work “Antiquities of the Jews.”
- Tacitus: A first-century Roman historian, who mentioned Jesus’ crucifixion in his work “Annals,” stating that Jesus was executed by order of Pontius Pilate.
- The Talmud: Jewish writings that include references to Jesus, including an account of his crucifixion on the eve of Passover.
- Mara Bar-Serapion: A letter from a Syrian philosopher to his son, which mentions that the Jews executed their “wise king.”
In addition to these written accounts, archaeological findings have provided further evidence for crucifixion as a method of execution in Roman-occupied territories:
- Crucifixion Nails: Archaeological evidence of crucifixion nails has been discovered, confirming the use of crucifixion as a method of execution during the Roman era.
- The Alexamenos Graffito: An early Roman graffito that depicts a figure worshiping a crucified man with a donkey’s head, likely intended as a mockery of Christians. This graffito provides evidence for the early worship of a crucified Jesus.
These extrabiblical references and archaeological findings support the historicity of Jesus’ crucifixion and provide additional context for understanding the event outside of the biblical narrative.