The events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus are fit for a television drama. If you haven’t already done so, I would recommend that you watch The Chosen because it really brings to life the four gospels. You will laugh and cry as the bible stories and your favorite characters come to life. Most importantly, you get to see Jesus through the eyes of those who interacted with Him.

It is nearly impossible to comprehend the horrible death that Jesus experienced on the cross. The execution of a condemned criminal today is handled more like surgery prep in a hospital. The goal is to be as humane as possible, trying to minimize the pain from electrocution or lethal injection.

The Roman government adopted crucifixion to execute criminals or political opponents. The whole process was meant to inflict the maximum amount of pain on the victim. The scourging, driving nails into flesh, and then letting them hang on the cross for three to four days before they finally suffocated.

Just to give you a glimpse, it would be kind of like going to the dentist and having him methodically drill every tooth in your mouth with no anesthesia. Every nerve in Jesus’ body screamed in pain with no relief.

Most people have a basic knowledge of crucifixion, but we are going to examine it in detail and what it did to the human body. It was a humiliating experience that involved being stripped of all clothing and hanging naked in front of everyone.

Jesus was crucified between two criminals and He prayed for the Roman soldiers carrying out the death sentence. The same men divided up His clothes and gambled for His coat.

It was customary for the Romans to place a sign on the cross over the condemned. Pontius Pilate ordered a particular sign that infuriated the ungodly Jewish leadership because they had pushed his buttons and threatened to report him to Rome.

Most of us have never taken a deep look at how horribly Jesus suffered on the cross and we should really appreciate our salvation that was paid with His body.

Print out the sermon outline and let's examine the Scriptures together Sunday morning at 9:00 AM PST.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor John S. Torell