Faith & Reason Nexus

In Matthew 27:35, the simple yet profound statement “And they crucified Him” captures the culmination of a brutal and excruciating process. The crucifixion of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, involved a series of steps designed to bring about the most painful and humiliating death imaginable. Below is a detailed look at the preparation and procedures involved in a Roman crucifixion:

1. Sentence of Death

• Roman Authority:
  • A Roman magistrate or tribunal had to pronounce the sentence of death for crucifixion to proceed.
  • Crucifixion was a punishment reserved for criminals who were considered particularly vile or rebellious, often associated with rebellion against Roman authority.

2. Scourging

• Preliminary Torture:
  • Scourging, or flogging, was a preliminary punishment before crucifixion, used to weaken the victim and prepare them for the agony of crucifixion.
  • A Flagellum (a whip with multiple strands) was used for scourging, which would often contain pieces of bone, metal, or glass to maximize pain and tissue damage.
  • The victim was usually bound to a post or column during the scourging, which intensified the physical suffering.

3. The Cross

• Carrying the Cross:
  • After the scourging, the condemned criminal was forced to carry his own cross to the place of execution.
  • This journey to the place of crucifixion was often part of the public humiliation, as the criminal would be mocked and jeered by the crowd.
• The Place of Crucifixion:
  • The crucifixion usually took place outside the city, ensuring that the execution was visible to passersby and acted as a deterrent to others.
  • It was often along a busy road, where people could witness the punishment and perhaps be dissuaded from committing crimes.

4. The Preparations at the Execution Site

• Watching the Cross Set Up:
  • Once at the site, the criminal would be forced to watch as the cross was set up and driven into the ground. This would be an agonizing sight, as it represented the inevitable execution.
• Stripping Naked:
  • The criminal was stripped naked as part of the humiliation, adding to the mental and emotional torment. This was not just a physical execution but also a degradation of the victim’s dignity.

5. The Crucifixion

• Nailing to the Cross:
  • The criminal would then be nailed to the cross, through the wrists and feet. The nails were driven through the most sensitive parts of the body, creating excruciating pain.
  • The positioning on the cross was designed to be torturous, with the victim hanging in such a way that they struggled to breathe, causing further agony.
• Helplessness:
  • Once nailed to the cross, the criminal was helpless. They could not fight back, and their fate was sealed. The excruciating pain and inability to move or escape made the crucifixion a slow and agonizing death.

6. The Purpose of Public Execution

• Public Display:
  • Crucifixion was meant to serve as a public spectacle, a warning to others. The Roman authorities wanted to show their dominance and deter others from defying their rule.
  • The process was not only physically painful but also designed to strip the victim of their humanity, leaving them exposed and powerless.

Conclusion:

The crucifixion of Jesus was not just the culmination of His earthly mission but also a profound act of love, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s plan. Understanding the historical and physical aspects of crucifixion helps to grasp the depth of suffering Jesus endured for the salvation of humanity.