Crucifixion

As we approach ‘Good’ Friday, many of us are experiencing bittersweet moments… So happy, glad, THANKFUL we are that our Lord loved US enough to be TORTURED and DIE for us… So understanding that his TORTURE and DEATH was a necessary part of His conquering death… So joyous that, with His Resurrection, those who believe in Him would be granted eternal life… But so sobered by the fact that, although it was necessary, HE who knew no sin was TORTURED and KILLED. He SUFFERED more than most would be able to. So, let’s spend a few days considering this… The following has some graphic description, but there really is nothing we could read or see or imagine that would truly compare to what Jesus went through for us.

Crucifixion is thought to have originated in Persia. It was then adopted by the Greek empire and was first performed in Rome around 200 BC. In the first century BC, the Roman Empire began to use crucifixion in Palestine, where it was effective in dissuading resistance.

The usual practice involved the convicted person being stripped [sometimes completely] and then publically ridiculed as he was flogged/scourged [whipped]. _{Matthew 27:27-31, John 19:1.} The whips often had pieces of bone fragments and metal balls tied along it so that when contact was made with the skin, deep bruising and flesh wounds were created and pieces of tissue were pulled off the body. The victim was then usually made to carry the horizontal crossbar [patibulum] outside the city to the crucifixion site. _{John 19:17, Luke 23:26.} By law, the victim would be given a mild analgesic, which was a bitter drink made of wine and gall. _{Matthew 27:33-34}. Then, soldiers would either nail or tie the convict to the crossbar [patibulum] at the level of his wrists. Nails were iron spikes 5-7 in long and about 1 cm wide. They would then lift him onto the vertical upright post [stipes]. Depending on whether the crossbar [patibulum] was put at the very top of the upright post [stipes] or a bit lower, the crucifixion post formed the shape of a “T” or a “+”. Once hanging, the victim’s feet were then secured, either by nailing or tying. _{Mark 15:24.}

Death by crucifixion was typically a slow and agonizing process [excruciating comes from crucifixion]. Breathing in the hung position became increasingly difficult, especially after the flogging/scourging which by itself could cause severe dehydration and shock. Sometimes, to prolong the process, a wooden block was placed on the post [stipes] to serve as a seat for the victim. Or, to hasten things along, the soldiers would break the victim’s legs, making it nearly impossible to push up on them when trying to take a breath. Next, a titulus, a sign displaying the victim’s crime, was placed at the top of the cross. _{Matthew 27:37.}

Death would occur anytime between several hours and several days and primarily depended on how badly the victim was flogged/scourged. Insects and scavengers would commonly feed off the victim. For a final confirmation of death, Roman soldiers customarily pierced the side of the victim’s body with a sword or lance. _{John 19:34.}

Thank You, Jesus- the Christ, for Your sacrifice. Thank you for saving a wretch like me!

-In HIM

References:

1. Edwards, WD. On the Physical Death of Jesus. Journal of the American Medical Association. Vol 256. March, 1986.

2. Bowker J. The Complete Bible Handbook. DK Publishing. New York, NY. 1998. p 359.