A Great Day of Suffering
Pilate did not know what to do. He did not want to condemn an innocent man. Besides, his own wife had sent him this message: Leave that righteous man alone. This morning I have suffered much pain in a dream because of Him.
But the angry mob kept roaring, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Soon they all began to shout, “Set Barabbas free!” These Jews did not really care about Barabbas, who was a convicted criminal. But they knew that Pilate usually freed one prisoner during this time. They would free anyone else, even a murderer, rather than Jesus.
Nervously Pilate washed his hands before the crowd. He said, “I am not responsible for this man’s death.” Yet he tried once more to save Jesus. He ordered his soldiers to whip Jesus severely. Then they forced a crown of thorns on His head, dressed Him in a purple robe, and placed a stick (a mock scepter) in His right hand. Surely now the Jews would pity Jesus when they saw His bloody face and clothes. Pilate brought Him before them and said, “Behold the man!”
But the mob only became louder. “Away with Him! Crucify Him!”
At last Pilate gave up. He freed Barabbas, and allowed them to take Jesus out of the city to a place called Golgotha. There He was nailed to a cross. Though Jesus was in agony, He did not hate His enemies. He prayed, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
Two thieves were also crucified that day, one on either side of Jesus. One of them taunted, “If you are Christ, save yourself and us also!”
But the other thief said, “We deserve to die, but this man is innocent.” Turning to Jesus he pleaded, “When you come into your kingdom, remember me.”
Immediately Jesus answered, “You will be with me in paradise this very day!”
At noon, the whole world was plunged into darkness. Jesus kept on suffering for three more lonely hours. Just before He died, He gave a shout of victory. “It is finished!” His work on earth was done. Now He could free the whole world from the grip of sin and Satan.
Suddenly the earth shook, rocks split apart, and many graves were opened. The frightened centurion exclaimed, “Surely this was the Son of God!”
Matthew 27:1-54
Mark 15:1-39
Luke 23:1-47
John 18:28-40; 19:1-30
Jesus is crucified between two thieves.
Parents:
. . . the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
Children:
1. Where was Jesus taken to be crucified?
2. How many men were crucified?
3. Why did Jesus die?