The night before Jesus was crucified, Jesus’ disciples
followed him to the garden of Gethsemane, which means, “an oil press”. There
Jesus prayed with intensity, committing His flesh to be the sacrifice that
would satisfy the death requirement for our sins.
Just as Jesus crucified His flesh, we also are to crucify
our flesh by repentance. We are to purge out sin by recognizing we have sinned,
regretting the sin, and committing to never do it again. Our sins are then
buried with Him by baptism. (Romans 6:4, Acts 2:38, Colossians 2:11-12)
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve
sin." - Romans 6:6
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24
From there, after accepting the cup of suffering, Jesus was
betrayed and taken by the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the
elders to the high priest’s house where he was mocked and smitten. (Luke 22:54,
63-65)
Then they led him to Pilate, who sent Jesus to Herod. After
mocking him, he sent him back to Pilate. (Luke 23:11)
“I will therefore chastise him, and release him.” - Luke
23:16
The Romans had no legal limit as to how many lashes they
could administer. Only the Jews were limited by God’s commandment to 40
stripes. (Deuteronomy 25:3)
Pilate turned Jesus over to receive the whipping that was
called the “half way death”. The Roman whipping shredded the back in which
there was so much blood loss, that the victim was left half way dead.
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised
for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:5
It was not usually done that a person would suffer both the
whipping of the half way death as well as crucifixion. Pilate, intending to
release Jesus, had Him scourged, thinking this would surely satisfy the Jews.
“But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.” - Luke
23:21
Because Jesus would become cursed for us, it was necessary
that he also be crucified, hanging on a tree. (The cross was fashioned from a
tree).
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being
made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a
tree:” - Galatians 3:13 (Deuteronomy 21:23)
"Who his own
self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins,
should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." - 1
Peter 2:24
“And when they were come to the place, which is called
Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand,
and the other on the left.” - Luke 23:33
“Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled
a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.” - John
19:29
The Passover supper was eaten with bitter herbs along with
the lamb to remind them of their bitter bondage in Egypt. (Exodus 12:8)
Jesus ended our bitter bondage to sin and death when He died
on the cross.
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and
blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver
them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” -
Hebrews 2:14-15
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It
is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” - John 19:30
The bondage to sin and death is finished. When we repent of
our sin, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins and receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost, we are set free from sin and the fear of death.
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to
your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God
shall call." - Acts 2:38-39
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