Slaying of The Lamb of God
The soldiers commanded Jesus to carry the heavy beam to the place of the Skull outside the city walls. Overwhelmed by the weight of sin, blood loss, and the burden of the cross, Jesus collapsed. Seeing this, the soldiers seized a man named Simon (one who hears), who happened to be nearby, and forced him to carry the beam for the rest of the way. Upon reaching Golgotha, they took the severely beaten Lamb of God, who was stripped of His clothing, and callously threw Him down onto the wooden beams. With His body stretched out, they repeatedly hammered spikes through His wrists and feet. Lifting the cross, the soldiers positioned it in the pre-dug hole between two criminals. Jesus’s bones were dislocated. He caught sight of His mother, aunt, Mary Magdalene, and John, who were grieving for Him. Once again, compassion stirred within Him, and He instructed John to take care of His mother.
The religious leaders observe the spectacle, alongside one of the criminals who joins in insulting Him. Jesus hangs before His creation, struggling to breathe. He responds, “Father, forgive them; they do not understand what they are doing.” One of the criminals defends Jesus, acknowledging his own guilt and recognizing Jesus’ innocence. Jesus assures him, “You will be with me in paradise.” His compassion persists despite His suffering. As our sin is poured onto the Lamb, He can no longer sense His Father. After six hours, Jesus cries out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Jesus declares, “I thirst.” A Roman soldier raises a hyssop branch with a sponge filled with gall and vinegar. The full weight of humanity’s sin now covers the Lamb of God. Jesus proclaims, “It is finished.” God releases His wrath upon the Lamb; the earth trembles (earthquake) and darkness engulfs the land. Jesus declares, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” He bows His head and surrenders His Spirit.
Analysis Isaiah 53:5
- Pierced hands, feet, and side – transgressions, to go against God, civil law, marriage, etc.
- Crushed (beaten) – iniquities, issues of the heart, hidden sins
- All the suffering together – to end the dominion of Sin & Death – Bringing Peace
- 39 Wounds (lashes) – by His stripes, we are healed
Mirrors During the Crucifixion
- Garden of Gethsemane – Garden of the Oil Press – Jesus was crushed for our anointing
- The Crown of Thorns – Man is ruled by the cares of the world
- King Herod’s purple robe – Man’s desire for power
- Hands and feet nailed down – Man bound from walking and working for God
- Pulling of the beard – Man’s identity and dedication to God pulled away
- Roman soldiers, dressed up Jesus, began bowing – Mocking God by distorting who He is for personal gain
- His body was pulled out of joint but not broken – the division among the believers over church doctrines, pulled apart but not broken
- Choosing Barabbas, the rebellious murderer – Man choosing vengeance and hatred over God
- Simon (one who hears) carried the cross – Mankind who decides to put down his flesh and follow Jesus
- Jesus asked John to watch over Mary – The Holy Spirit is given watch over the Church
Everyone has sinned and missed the mark. God sent Jesus (Yeshua) to close the divide.
"Behold, my servant will deal wisely. He will be exalted and lifted up, and will be very high. Just as many were astonished at you (his appearance was marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men), so he will cleanse many nations. Kings will shut their mouths at him: for they will see that which had not been told them; and they will understand that which they had not heard." (Isa 52:13-15 WEB)
