The Way

III. Crucifixion

1. Method of Execution

2. A Roman cross

3. The Nails

4. A slow death

5. Jesus’ burial tomb

a. It would have been in quarried rock with an engineered stone wheel for a door that would fully seal the entrance.

b. There would be nothing to grab or push if you wanted to open it from the inside.

6. Pain

a. Of the events of this day, what was worst? The betrayals by Judas and his disciples (who abandoned him)? The mock trials? The scourging? The nails? Suffocating agony?

b. Scripture doesn’t say, but it my opinion it was the separation from God the Father – a relationship that had been integral to his being from the beginning, that was suddenly removed. How painful was that for God the Father, as well?

IV. Closing

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV): “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

“but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.” (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Think of the hymn that begins “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.”

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

No wonder in his 1910 book What's Wrong with the World, G.K. Chesterton wrote “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” Won't you try it today? Can you imagine how much better this world would be if we all put that into practice?

V. Extra Content - Historical

The Way

Women with Noble Character

The Charcoal Fire: From Shame to Restoration

A Gospel Lifestyle

Trick Question