Bible Study Week 7
Part 4
Christ Died for Us
The crucifixion of Jesus is the central event in the entire history of the human race. on the cross Jesus took up Himself all the sins of the world. He who knew no sin became the sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:8-10; II Corinthians 5:21; Peter 2:22).
Jesus Mocked by the Soldiers
After Jesus was scourged, the soldiers took Him into the common hall where a band of soldiers was gathered together. They stripped Jesus and placed a scarlet robe on His wounded, bleeding back. They then platted a crown of thorns and placed it upon the head. They replaced the scarlet robe with his own clothing and led Christ away to be crucified.
Simon and the Cross
As they make their way to Calvary, they found Simon, a man of Cyrene, and forced him to bear the cross. The procession arrived at Golgotha. There they offered Jesus vinegar mixed with gall to drink. After tasting it, Jesus would not drink it. The soldiers then crucified Jesus, placing His cross between those of two thieves. Over the cross of Jesus were the words: This IS JESUSS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Soldiers cast lots for the garment of Jesus.
Mocked on the Cross
As Jesus hung in agony on the cross, people passing by mocked Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Thou that destroyest the temple, and build it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross."
The chief priests, scribes, and elders joined in the jeering saying, "He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God."
The Thief on the Cross
One of the criminals who was crucified next to Jesus riled against Him, saying, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." The other thief, however, rebuked his fellow sufferer saying, "Dost no thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss." This man said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."
Jesus answered, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."
Forgiveness on the Cross
A statement of Jesus on the cross reveals His compassion even for those who crucified Him. He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
The Happenings after His Death
After Jesus died, the veil in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. There was a great earthquake, and the rocks ripped apart. In a graveyard outside the city, many graves opened.
A Roman centurion took note of these unusual occurrences and was smitten with fear. He said, "Truly this was the Son of God!" Many women stood a great distance away, carefully observing all these things.
Jesus is Buried
Joseph of Arimathaea, a rich man who was a secret disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate for permission to take away the body of Jesus. Pilate granted his request. Nicodemus, the same man who came to Jesus by night and was told of his need to be born again, helped Joseph. They wrapped Jesus in a clean linen cloth and placed Him in Joseph's personal tomb, where no one had ever been buried.
What looked like defeat was actually a great victory for the kingdom of God. Jesus had accomplished His purpose in coming into the world. He had taken the place of sinful humankind and had made it possible for them to escape the wages of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23).