Jesus Crucified

Discipleship and Mission

Called to Proclaim the Resurrection

Matthew 27:32-44 The Message

32-34 Along the way they came on a man from Cyrene named Simon and made him carry Jesus’ cross. Arriving at Golgotha, the place they call “Skull Hill,” they offered him a mild painkiller (a mixture of wine and myrrh), but when he tasted it he wouldn’t drink it.
35-40 After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: “You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days—so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you’re really God’s Son, come down from that cross!”
41-44 The high priests, along with the religion scholars and leaders, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: “He saved others—he can’t save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We’ll all become believers then! He was so sure of God—well, let him rescue his ‘Son’ now—if he wants him! He did claim to be God’s Son, didn’t he?” Even the two criminals crucified next to him joined in the mockery.

For Reflection

"Tearing down the Temple...in three days," was a metaphor for reformation.  Because of Christ's death, the status quo  Jewish faith system (the temple) was reformed to become less legalistic, more compassionate, more inclusive of non-Jews, and a more intimate relationship with God.

Pray

Pray for those who resist the status quo.  Pray for the change agents who prophesy reformation.  Pray so that you will become a more authentic God worshiping, Jesus follower.  Pray so that you mimic the life of Christ.

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