We Believe: The Crucifixion of Jesus

"Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin." - John 19:19-20 

Reflection: 

The crucifixion of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christian faith, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins. In John 19:20, we see the universality of Jesus' sacrifice, as the inscription on the cross was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, making it accessible to all who passed by. This act of crucifixion was not just a historical event but a profound spiritual moment that resonates through time. 

Acts 4:10 supplements this reflection by stating, "Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole." This verse emphasizes the power and significance of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, affirming that through His sacrifice, healing and wholeness are made possible. 

Personal Application: 

Reflecting on Jesus' crucifixion invites us to consider the depth of His love and the extent of His sacrifice. It challenges us to live in a way that honors His gift. In our daily lives, we can strive to embody the principles of love, forgiveness, and compassion that Jesus demonstrated. By doing so, we not only honor His sacrifice but also become vessels of His grace and mercy to others. 

To expand on this, let's delve deeper into how we can apply these principles in our everyday lives: 

• Love: Jesus' crucifixion is the ultimate expression of love. He laid down His life for us, showing us that true love is selfless and sacrificial. We can emulate this love by putting others' needs before our own, showing kindness to strangers, and being there for our friends and family in times of need. Love can be shown in small acts of kindness, such as offering a listening ear, helping someone in need, or simply being present for those who are hurting. 

• Forgiveness: One of the most powerful aspects of Jesus' sacrifice is His forgiveness. Even as He was being crucified, He prayed for those who were persecuting Him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). We are called to forgive others in the same way. Holding onto grudges and harboring resentment only harms us. By forgiving those who have wronged us, we free ourselves from the burden of bitterness and allow God's peace to fill our hearts. 

• Compassion: Jesus' life and death were marked by compassion. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the brokenhearted. We can follow His example by showing compassion to those around us. This might mean volunteering at a local shelter, supporting a friend going through a tough time, or simply being empathetic and understanding in our interactions with others. Compassion moves us to action, prompting us to make a positive difference in the lives of those we encounter. 

• Humility: Jesus' crucifixion is a profound example of humility. Though He was the Son of God, He humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. We are called to live with the same humility, recognizing that we are not above others and that we are all in need of God's grace. Humility allows us to serve others without seeking recognition or reward, and it helps us to remain teachable and open to God's guidance. 

• Faith: The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are central to our faith. They remind us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, God is in control and has a plan for our lives. By placing our trust in Him, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. Our faith in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection gives us hope and assurance of eternal life. 

Thought-Provoking Questions: 

1. How does the universality of the inscription on Jesus' cross (written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin) speak to the inclusivity of His sacrifice? 
2. In what ways can we embody the principles of love, forgiveness, and compassion in our daily lives? 
3. How does reflecting on Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection inspire you to live differently? 
4. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus' sacrifice brings healing and wholeness? 

Prayer: 

Dear Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on His crucifixion, we are reminded of the depth of His love and the extent of His suffering for our sake. Help us to live in a way that honors His sacrifice, embodying love, forgiveness, and compassion in our daily lives. May His resurrection power bring healing and wholeness to our hearts and lives. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Written by Sarah Leasure