Crucified

After all Jesus went through at the hands of His accusers, they proceeded to have Him crucified on a cross. This was a form of execution developed by the Roman Empire. It was a long, painful, shameful way to die. And according to the traditions of Israel, it was one of the worst penalties given to a criminal, as Deuteronomy 21:23 says, “Anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse.” They treated Jesus as the worst of criminals, though He had done nothing wrong. Everything Jesus did on earth has great significance, and His crucifixion has special significance to all those who have accepted Him. Jesus was willing to be put to death on the cross to ensure the redemptive work that would restore humanity back to relationship with God. The sins of humanity have been nailed to the cross— those things that held us captive have been defeated (1 Peter 2:24). As Jesus was dying, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). In that moment, Jesus was bearing the sins of the whole world and suffering God’s holy judgment. This was the only way to save us, because God is just and doesn’t uphold iniquity. Yet He was willing to take our sin on Himself—because He loves us. Before He gave up His spirit, Jesus—God in flesh—said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). This means everything needed for you and me to be redeemed has now been met. We can be free from the dominion of Satan and sin. There’s new hope for all people who identify with Jesus because all that caged and kept us bound has been dealt with and taken to the cross. The apostle Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” So you see, beloved, the same thing is true of all Christians today because Jesus has dealt with the curse that held and bound us. On the cross, He became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). He defeated the curse— and defeated death itself. Hallelujah! Glory to God! • Shadrach Goni • Why is it significant that Jesus was put to death on a cross rather