Crucifixion

Introduction

Jesus’ crucifixion is mentioned every time we gather. We share in the bread and cup every Sunday which reminds us of Jesus’ death. We speak of the cross as the sign of forgiveness and peace. We speak so much about Jesus’ crucifixion that we may be numb to its significance. Today is not about generating emotions in regards to the death of Jesus. Luke’s description is devoid of any emphasis on Jesus’ physical pain and suffering. Instead Luke allows us to see the reactions of others to Jesus’ crucifixion. This event is so pivotal that Luke allows us to see the reactions of others and the reaction of nature to Jesus’ death. We are also invited to see Jesus’ awareness of what is happening. As we have gathered today, may we one more time be aware that one cannot be neutral about the death of Jesus. An attempt at neutrality is to have a reaction to the death of Jesus.

Witnesses

Luke’s material is intended to be divided. We are introduced to five observers to Jesus’ death. Each observer has something to say about Jesus and about the event of his death.

First are the mourners. They weep for Jesus. We are not told who they are but we know they are deeply emotionally moved by what they are witnessing. Jesus tells them to shed tears for themselves. The nation of Israel is headed toward destruction. The day is coming when people will beg to die so horrible is the future. Verse 31 demonstrates the severity of what is to come. If Jesus who is innocent is allowed to die what do you think it will be like when the guilty are condemned. It will be so much worse.

Second are those who are ridiculing Jesus. They actually blaspheme. They taunt Jesus to save himself. They express disbelief and deride Jesus for not being the Christ after all. Along with the words comes the shame. Jesus is stripped of his clothing and above his head is a sign which is intended to be a political statement. The king of the Jews is being killed. The intent is to say that anyone who pretends to be the king will be killed. All of this reminds us of the Psalmist’s words in Psalm 22:7-8 “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Jesus’ response: “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

Third are the two criminals. Luke tells us that one of them is hurling insults at Jesus. But the other one doesn’t. He admits that he deserves his punishment. He also admits that Jesus is innocent. And then a very odd request, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” It is hard to know exactly what the criminal is thinking but the request certainly anticipates that Jesus is not only a ruler of a kingdom but that he will soon be in over a kingdom. The request also notes that it is sometime in the future. Jesus’ answer is both intriguing and comforting “Today you will be with me in paradise.” It isn’t the future. It is today. The word for “paradise” was used to describe the place for the righteous dead to remain until the final judgment.

Fourth, we are introduced to the supernatural. Luke’s intent is that God uses supernatural events to express divine disapproval of what is happening. From noon to 3 p.m. the sun stopped shining. How odd this would have been. The sun grew dark. Was the sun seen? Yes. But there was no light for three hours. Some have proposed that there was a solar eclipse. This is not possible. Solar eclipses only occur during a new moon when it appears that the moon is invisible. That is, the moon is dark and there is no sight of the moon. The Passover was the first Sabbath after the first full moon after the vernal equinox or the coming of Spring. There had been a full moon just a short time before. There cannot be an eclipse during a full moon. This was something supernatural.

The curtain of the temple was torn in two. Some have speculated that this was the curtain between the two portions of the temple—the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The Hebrew writer says that we now have access to the Most Holy Place through the blood of Jesus which was made possible through the curtain which is Jesus’ body. The sun and temple curtain both demonstrate God’s displeasure and presence. Jesus’ response also reveals that he believes God is present. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Fifth, the man who was in charge of the crucifixion is brought into focus. The centurion was a hardened seasoned veteran of the Roman army. He oversaw the placement of all three deaths. He has watched the events of the day. He has heard the ridiculing words. And now he offers his pronouncement about this man Jesus—Innocent. NIV translates “righteous” but the word also carries the meaning “innocent” which seems to be Luke’s point throughout this text.

Look at all those who declared that Jesus was innocent: Pilate (three times), Herod, one of the criminals, the sun, and the centurion.

Lesson

An innocent man died. What was God doing? He was forgiving sin. He was bringing people into relationship with him. He was taking the sins of all people past, present, and future and dealing with their sin. He was allowing his Son to take your place and mine.

Most of you have heard of Ted Turner. He is the founder of CNN, TNT, TBS, etc. He is a very successful businessman, a billionaire and a well-known critic of Christianity. In fact he has publicly stated that “Christianity is for losers.” What is not so well known is how Mr. Turner became so anti-Christian. According to numerous newspaper articles as a teenager, Mr. Turner aspired to become a missionary but lost his faith when his younger sister, Mary Jane, contracted an immune system disease that eventually killed her. “I was taught that God was love and God was powerful and I couldn’t understand how someone so innocent should be made or allowed to suffer so,” he says.

Some reject Jesus because of their own suffering. Without suffering there would be no relationship with God. Jesus died so we could live. It is tragic whenever anyone suffers for no reason. It is tragic when an innocent person suffers—a child, a bystander, no one who is responsible. It is tragic when the innocent person Jesus suffered. But he did so because God is love and is powerful. His love goes beyond suffering and his power goes beyond death. He wants you and he has shown you his son so that you will see how much he wants you.

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