The Crucifixion - Why Jesus Died on the Cross
The Crucifixion – Why Jesus Died on the Cross
The sky was darkening, though it was only midday. A heavy silence hung over Jerusalem, broken only by the agonized gasps of the three men hanging on wooden crosses outside the city walls. The crowd that had gathered was a mix of mourners, mockers, and Roman soldiers carrying out their grim duty.
At the center of it all was Jesus of Nazareth.
His body was torn from the scourging, His brow crowned with thorns, His hands and feet nailed to the rough beams of the cross. Yet, despite the brutality, there was something different about His suffering—something that made this execution unlike any other.
This was not just another Roman crucifixion. This was the moment history had been waiting for.
The Road to Golgotha
Hours earlier, Jesus had been dragged through the streets, forced to carry His own cross. The weight of the wood, combined with His weakened state from the brutal flogging, made the journey unbearable. A man named Simon of Cyrene was pulled from the crowd to help Him (Matthew 27:32).
As they reached Golgotha—the "Place of the Skull"—the soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh, a bitter drink meant to dull the pain. But He refused it (Mark 15:23). He would face this suffering fully conscious, fully aware.
Then came the nails. The hammer strikes. The cross being lifted and dropped into place with a sickening thud.
The Words from the Cross
Even in agony, Jesus spoke. His words were not curses or cries for vengeance—they were filled with mercy, purpose, and divine love.
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
While the soldiers gambled for His clothes and the crowd jeered, Jesus prayed for their forgiveness."Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)
One of the criminals crucified beside Him repented, and Jesus assured him of salvation."Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother." (John 19:26-27)
Jesus entrusted His grieving mother, Mary, to the care of John, the beloved disciple."My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46)
In this moment, Jesus bore the full weight of humanity’s sin, experiencing separation from the Father for the first time."I thirst." (John 19:28)
Fulfilling Scripture (Psalm 69:21), He was given sour wine on a sponge."It is finished." (John 19:30)
The work of redemption was complete. Sin’s debt had been paid."Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." (Luke 23:46)
With these final words, Jesus surrendered His life—not because it was taken from Him, but because He willingly laid it down (John 10:18).
Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
The crucifixion was not a tragic accident—it was God’s plan from the beginning. But why?
1. To Fulfill Prophecy
Centuries before, the prophets had foretold the Messiah’s suffering:
"He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities." (Isaiah 53:5)
"They have pierced My hands and My feet." (Psalm 22:16)
"They will look on Me whom they have pierced." (Zechariah 12:10)
Every detail—the betrayal, the false trial, the crucifixion, even the casting of lots for His garments—had been written long before.
2. To Bear the Punishment for Sin
The Bible declares, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, humanity was separated from God. Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament temporarily covered sin, but only a perfect, spotless sacrifice could remove it completely.
Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God (John 1:29), took our place. On the cross, He became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21), absorbing the wrath of God that we deserved.
3. To Defeat Death and Satan
The cross looked like Satan’s greatest victory—but it was actually his defeat. Hebrews 2:14 says Jesus came "that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil."
When Jesus cried, "It is finished!" He declared that sin’s power was broken. The resurrection three days later proved that death itself had been conquered.
4. To Bring Us Back to God
Before the cross, humanity was separated from God by sin. But Ephesians 2:13-14 says, "Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace."
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can approach God freely, forgiven, and restored.
The Miracles That Followed
As Jesus breathed His last, supernatural signs confirmed the significance of His death:
The temple veil tore in two (Matthew 27:51) – This heavy curtain separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. Its tearing symbolized that the way to God was now open to all.
An earthquake shook the land (Matthew 27:51) – The earth itself reacted to the death of its Creator.
Dead saints were raised (Matthew 27:52-53) – A foretaste of the resurrection power Jesus would fully unleash.
Even the Roman centurion guarding the cross was shaken. "Truly this was the Son of God!" he declared (Matthew 27:54).
What Does the Cross Mean for Us Today?
The crucifixion was not just an ancient event—it changes everything for us now.
1. We Are Forgiven
No matter what we’ve done, Jesus’ sacrifice covers it. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
2. We Are Loved
The cross is the ultimate proof of God’s love. "God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
3. We Have Hope
Because of the cross, death is not the end. "He who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live." (John 11:25)
The Choice Before Us
Two thieves hung beside Jesus that day. One mocked Him. The other repented and was saved.
Their responses reflect the choice we all face:
Reject Him and remain in our sin.
Receive Him and be forgiven.
The cross demands a response. What will yours be?
Final Thought: The crucifixion was not the end—Sunday was coming. But without the cross, there could be no resurrection. Without His death, there could be no victory.
Jesus died for you. The question is: Will you live for Him?