Matthew 27:27-44 The Hours Before Crucifixion

"History states that Christ died, but theology explains, "Christ died for our sins."

Jesus had been up all night, during which he had been mocked by the soldiers.  They'd stripped Him and placed an old soldier's cloak on his bleeding back and a crown of thorns on his head.  Then they childishly acted out fake homage.  Some spat on Him and hit Him in the head with the reed they'd provided as His scepter, as had been prophesied in Isaiah 50:6, my commentary said.

He carried His cross part of the way, until the soldiers drafted Simon from Cyrene to get the procession moving along again.  They tried to give Him a narcotic drink to dull the pain, but He refused.  "He did the will of God in complete control of His faculties, fulfilling Psalm 69:21."  The soldiers gambled for His clothing, fulfilling Psalm 22:18.  The crucifixion was performed next to what in our day would be a highway, and passersby heaped scorn on Him, as did the Jewish leaders after He was affixed to that cross.  

Father, I marvel that You could even show such love to humans the way we treated Your Son.  You had every right to destroy the world, but instead You loved it.  Thank You for Your infinite love!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford