The Suffering of Jesus Christ Why? What? How?

Why?

Why was Jesus arrested? He challenged the authority of Jewish-religious leaders

E.g. “worked” on Sabbath

E.g. taught Law “with authority”

E.g. forgave sins (only God can)

E.g. disregarded purity laws

E.g. freely associated with sinners

E.g. taught that material wealth does not mean being “right” with God; being rich but ignoring poor = sin

Why was Jesus arrested? He came to Jerusalem – much too direct B. He came to Jerusalem – much too direct of a challenge to Temple authorities

E.g. welcomed as a king

E.g. threw out money changers in Temple (religious epicenter) – angered by intertwining of commerce/profit with faith

What?

What was Jesus’ crime? A. (for which he was arrested) Blasphemy =irreverent speech about God =claiming powers only God has =any thought, word, or act that expresses hatred or contempt for God Traditional punishment: death by stoning

What was Jesus’ crime? B. (for which he was crucified) Blasphemy – not a capital crime in Roman Empire Sedition/Treason =claiming to be king in competition to Caesar Traditional punishment: death by crucifixion

Is Jesus’ death the fault of the Jews? No! -Jesus had to be born to people in covenant -To fulfill God’s plan, He had to die this way -There were Jews in the trial who stood up for him: Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea…

How?

Crucifixion = exceptionally brutal Roman execution = meant to be as horrific as possible to frighten people into obedience = reserved for the worst offenders of the lowest class = reserved for foreigners; not Roman citizens

1. Scourging

Scourging = whipping with whip that has pieces of bone & metal embedded in the leather = meant to tear skin off back = element of mocking (in Jesus’ case – crown of thorns, purple robe…)

2. Carrying Cross

Carrying Cross = carrying cross (300 lbs) / crossbeam (75-125 lbs) on which one will be crucified on a bloody back ¼ mile (from Preston’s front door to East Tremont, uphill)

3. Stripping

Stripping Garments = meant to completely humiliate = meant to tear whipped/torn skin

4. Nailing to Cross

Nailing to the Cross = wrists nailed to crossbeam, that is then lifted into place = arms/feet tied to cross to keep body from tearing free from nails = to relieve pain in chest – push/pull on stakes through feet

5. Crucifixion

Crucifixion = could last for days before death from: - blood loss - sepsis - infection - dehydration - exposure - inability to breath (asphixiation – due to hyper- explansion of chest muscles & lungs)

Crucifixion Foot rest – meant to prolong the suffering, offered opportunity to shift position & breath Small seat (w/ upright spike) – also meant to allow shifting as well as additional pain

For whom did He do this?

Jesus was Human like us… Gospels take great care to show human emotions - doubt - fear - pain - betrayal 100% human – NOT sheltered from human experience

Jesus was human like us… Jesus showed us that it is not wrong to want to avoid pain & death. But His commitment to following God’s will was stronger than His fear.

Jesus was human like us… Jesus willingly accepted Ultimate pain (refused wine/myrrh) Humiliation (physical & indignity of being between 2 thieves)

For God so loved the world…