Day 63: Jesus is crucified to save others
Crucifixion was the most horrible way to die. The Romans used it as a punishment for people who rebelled against their rule, so that anyone else who was thinking of rebelling would see how awful it was and change their mind. It was extremely painful and long-lasting, and crucifixions happened in public so that everyone could see. In today’s passage, we see Jesus crucified.
Who was passing by on his way into Jerusalem from the countryside (v. 21)?
What did the Roman soldiers make him do (v. 21)?
Experts think Mark mentions Simon of Cyrene’s sons, Rufus and Alexander, because they later became Christians and told their father’s story.
Where did the Roman soldiers take Jesus (v. 22)?
What did they offer Jesus to drink (v. 23)?
Did Jesus take the drink (v. 23)?
This offer of wine mixed with myrrh might be part of the soldiers’ mockery of Jesus, or it might be meant to dull the pain a bit.
What did they do to Jesus (v. 24)?
What did they do with His clothes (v. 24)?
Casting lots was like throwing dice. Psalm 22 describes many of the things that happened to Jesus when He is crucified, including: “They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garments” (Psalm 22:18).
What did the charge against Jesus say (v. 26)?
Who was crucified along with Jesus (v. 27)?
What did those passing by Jesus as He was crucified say (vv. 29–30)?
Could Jesus have come down from the cross if He had chosen to?
How did the chief priests and teachers of the law mock Jesus in verse 31?
Jesus saves others by not saving Himself. He was dying in our place so we could live, giving His own life as a ransom for us.
What do the religious leaders say Jesus should do if He’s really the Messiah (v. 32)?
What do they say that they would do if He came down from the cross (v. 32)?
What did the rebels crucified on either side of Jesus do (v. 32)?
In Luke’s gospel, we find out that one of the two rebels actually changes his mind and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replies, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42–43).
Praise Jesus that He did not come down from the cross, but that He chose to save others instead of saving Himself. Praise Him that He is the King who came to serve. Pray for someone you love who doesn’t trust in Jesus yet, that they would recognize who Jesus is and what He did for them on the cross.