The physical and emotional brutality of the cross of crucifixion is something we shouldn’t avoid at Easter. Killed as a criminal on a hill outside Jerusalem, Jesus of Nazareth suffered agonising pain as long, heavy nails were hammered through his limbs. His lungs burned with lack of oxygen and his brain suffered asphyxia as his body strained under its own weight. A crown of thorns adorned his head and blood dripped from his chin as his gaze rested on his weeping mother, hunched over in her own agonising pain below his feet.
Crucifixion was a ghastly form of capital punishment designed to execute the condemned in a long, painful manner that also served as a message to others. The crowd watched in awe as life drained from the hanging victim above them. Many cheered, many cried. Passers-by would avert their eyes from the ghastly spectacle.
Coupled with the savagery of the cross was the shame of the cross. Naked, but for a loin cloth, Jesus was crucified alongside a roadway to ensure many would see his suffering. Apparently, having your skin scourged with a leather and iron whip wasn’t enough. Clearly, carrying your cross through the city wasn’t enough. Hanging high for all to see added to the shame. Crucifixion was used to humiliate as well as to harm.
To be publicly executed as a criminal meant that Jesus was marked as cursed by his own people. His lack of dignity meant that he was offensive to them. Slayed by Roman oppressors, many declared that he was not the promised Messiah. Jewish leaders labelled Jesus and his followers heretics and their message foolish.
How can Jesus be the son of God if he is cursed, offensive and foolish? This is not the Saviour the people had been waiting for.
And yet, God had foretold all these things for hundreds of years. It was written in the scrolls – predicted to be a brutal and bloody sacrifice. There was no mistake, and the empty tomb three days later proved it.
An accurate view of Easter can only be reached by holding an accurate view of God.
God does not curse people; He curses the sin that separates them from Him. The holiness of God requires a perfect lamb to give its life for atonement (reparation) of sin. As we each carry the seed of sin with us, Jesus became the curse on behalf of all people so that we would not bear the punishment for our sins that we each deserve. When we chose to accept Jesus as our Saviour, we are covered by his perfection which gives us right-standing with God.
All my words will only be foolish to you, unless you do something in response. You cannot continue to avoid the power of Easter forever. At some point you will come face to face with Jesus, and what will your argument be then?
My suggestion is that you find a gathering place of Christian believers and share in their faith. You will be better for it.
Article as featured in the Te Awamutu Courier 06 April 2023