Only Jesus Text: Matthew 27: 32-44
32 Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. 33 And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink.
35 Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “ They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”36 Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. 39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
Simon bore Jesus’ cross- do you bear His cross? Are you willing to pay a price for a lifestyle of servant hood?
Golgotha: Many say, “it’s where Adam’s buried. It’s a Place of Agony mixed with the smell of defeat and death.”
The sour wine was meant to deaden pain; however Christ intended to relate and become acquainted with mankind’s sorrow; therefore He rejected the wine.
Verse 35, Then they crucified Him… Pointedly stated- crucifixion- a murders’ death.
His clothing gambled away- this served a purpose it indicates how low mankind will go with another’s suffering.
As the death penalty was carried out the people sat and watched with a grin even a smile. (We have won.)
As they sat idled, men etched in wood: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Intended only to de-rate)
In-between Christ hung two men guilty as charged. Their verdict fit the crime. (Before expiration, one hardened-another humbled.)
Those passing by cursed, making fun with degrading looks while laughing inside and out.
Others jeered, “Come down if you are the Christ!”
The people cried louder, “Come down-save yourself!
Isn’t that the call of this age system-save yourself? Only Jesus saves.
Prayer.
