Crucifixion of Jesus
Table of Contents
- What Was the Crucifixion of Jesus?
- Timeline of the Crucifixion of Jesus
- Location: Golgotha
- Who Was There?
- Sayings from the Cross
- Why Jesus Was Crucified
- After the Crucifixion of Jesus
- Roman Crucifixion Practices
- Meaning and Significance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Profiles and Topics
What Was the Crucifixion of Jesus?
The crucifixion of Jesus refers to the historical and theological event in which Jesus of Nazareth was executed by the Roman government by being nailed to a wooden cross. This method of execution, common in the first-century Roman Empire, was designed to be excruciating, humiliating, and public. According to the New Testament Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John— The crucifixion of Jesus was not only a legal execution but also a pivotal act in Christian theology. Christians view the crucifixion of Jesus as the voluntary, sacrificial death of the Son of God to bring about redemption for humanity.
In Christian belief, Jesus’ death on the cross marks the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies, including Isaiah 53, which describes a suffering servant, and Psalm 22, which echoes many elements of the crucifixion scene. The crucifixion of Jesus is considered part of the Passion of Christ, which includes his arrest, trial, and suffering, culminating in his death. The event is commemorated annually on Good Friday and symbolized by the cross, which has become the central emblem of the Christian faith.
Timeline of the Crucifixion of Jesus
The timeline of Jesus’ crucifixion can be reconstructed from the Gospel accounts and traditional Christian chronology:
- Thursday evening: Jesus celebrates the Passover meal with his disciples, commonly called the Last Supper. He washes their feet, identifies Judas as his betrayer, and institutes the Eucharist.
- Late night: Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he experiences great anguish. He is arrested by temple guards led by Judas Iscariot and brought before Jewish authorities.
- Early Friday morning: Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin, then sent to Pontius Pilate. Pilate sends him to Herod Antipas and then receives him back. Under pressure from religious leaders and the crowd, Pilate agrees to crucify Jesus.
- Around 9:00 AM: Jesus is crucified at a site called Golgotha. A sign above his head reads, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
- 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Darkness covers the land. Jesus continues to speak from the cross, addressing his mother, John, and God.
- Around 3:00 PM: Jesus dies after uttering the words “It is finished.” The temple curtain tears from top to bottom. A Roman centurion declares Jesus to be the Son of God.
- Before sunset: Jesus’ body is taken down and buried in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea. This fulfills the Sabbath requirement to avoid unburied bodies overnight.
Location: Golgotha
Golgotha, also referred to as Calvary in Latin tradition, means “Place of the Skull.” It was a known site of execution located just outside the walls of ancient Jerusalem. The Gospels describe it as being near a public road, allowing for high visibility and public humiliation—standard for Roman crucifixions. The name Golgotha may have derived from the appearance of the rocky hill or its association with death.
Today, the traditional location of Golgotha is within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a complex that also houses what many Christians believe is the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. Alternate Protestant traditions suggest the Garden Tomb as another potential site, though it is not as historically substantiated. Regardless of exact location, Golgotha holds deep symbolic meaning as the setting of what Christians consider the ultimate sacrifice.
Who Was There?
The crucifixion of Jesus was a public event witnessed by a range of individuals—followers, skeptics, and soldiers alike. Each Gospel provides details that together offer a full account of the people present:
- Mary, the mother of Jesus: She stood by the cross, a symbol of maternal grief and unwavering presence.
- John, the beloved disciple: According to John’s Gospel, he remained with Mary and was entrusted by Jesus to care for her.
- Mary Magdalene: A devoted follower, she was present at both the crucifixion of Jesus and the resurrection.
- Other women: Women named Salome, Mary the wife of Clopas, and others who followed Jesus from Galilee.
- Roman soldiers: They mocked Jesus, cast lots for his garments, and later acknowledged his divine identity.
- The two criminals: Crucified alongside Jesus. One mocked him, while the other asked for mercy and was promised paradise.
- Religious leaders: Some mocked Jesus, challenging him to come down from the cross.
- Passersby: Many stopped to watch, unaware of the theological weight of what they were witnessing.
This diversity of witnesses underscores the event’s gravity—seen by believers, skeptics, and indifferent observers alike.
Sayings from the Cross
The Gospels record seven distinct statements made by Jesus while he was on the cross. These “Seven Last Words” have been studied for centuries and are often read in Good Friday services. Each reveals a different facet of Jesus’ mission, humanity, and divine identity:
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) — A plea for mercy even in the face of injustice.
- “Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) — A promise of salvation to the repentant thief.
- “Woman, behold your son!… Behold your mother!” (John 19:26–27) — A compassionate moment of provision for Mary and John.
- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46) — A cry echoing Psalm 22, expressing anguish and fulfilling prophecy.
- “I thirst.” (John 19:28) — A statement of physical suffering, also fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 69:21).
- “It is finished.” (John 19:30) — A declaration of completed mission, signaling the fulfillment of redemptive work.
- “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) — A final act of trust in God at the moment of death.
Together, these sayings encapsulate themes of forgiveness, fulfillment, suffering, and divine authority—core tenets of Christian theology regarding the crucifixion of Jesus.
Why Jesus Was Crucified
The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ was under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, but the motivations behind his execution were both political and religious. The Jewish leaders accused him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God and the Messiah, a direct challenge to their theological framework. They also saw his growing popularity as a threat to their authority, particularly after the cleansing of the temple and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
To the Roman authorities, however, the primary concern was political. Jesus was accused of claiming kingship, a threat to Roman imperial control. The inscription placed above his head—“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”—reflected the official charge of sedition. Pilate, who found no guilt in Jesus, ultimately conceded to public pressure to maintain order during Passover, when tensions in Jerusalem were high.
In Christian theology, Jesus’ crucifixion is understood as the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. It is seen as the moment when Jesus, the sinless one, bore the sins of humanity. This concept is rooted in passages such as Isaiah 53, which describes a suffering servant, and 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.” The cross is thus not only a legal sentence but also a divine act of substitutionary atonement.
After the Crucifixion of Jesus
The events that followed Jesus’ death on the cross are filled with theological and symbolic meaning. According to the Gospels:
- The curtain in the temple: This massive veil separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. Its tearing from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death is seen by Christians as a sign that access to God was now open to all through Jesus’ sacrifice.
- An earthquake: Reported in the Gospel of Matthew, the earth quaked and rocks split. Tombs were opened, and many understood this as a cosmic sign of the significance of the event.
- The centurion’s declaration: A Roman officer present at the crucifixion of Jesus declared, “Surely he was the Son of God,” marking one of the earliest Gentile recognitions of Jesus’ identity.
Jesus’ body was taken down before sunset in accordance with Jewish law. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin who had not consented to Jesus’ death, asked Pilate for permission to bury him. Along with Nicodemus, he wrapped Jesus in linen cloths and placed him in a new tomb carved out of rock. A large stone was rolled in front of the entrance, and Roman guards were stationed there at the request of the chief priests and Pharisees, who feared his followers might claim he had risen.
Roman Crucifixion Practices
Crucifixion of Jesus was one of the most brutal and humiliating forms of capital punishment in the Roman Empire. It was reserved for the worst offenders: slaves, traitors, and enemies of the state. Roman citizens were typically exempt from crucifixion unless they committed particularly heinous crimes.
The process involved several stages. The condemned was often scourged with a whip embedded with bone or metal, causing severe bleeding. They were then forced to carry the crossbeam, or patibulum, to the place of execution. Once there, they were either tied or nailed to the cross—usually with nails driven through the wrists and feet. The cross was then raised and left in a prominent public place as a warning to others.
Death could take hours or even days, usually by asphyxiation, as the condemned became too weak to lift themselves to breathe. The use of crucifixion was as much psychological warfare as it was punishment—its spectacle served to discourage rebellion. That early Christians revered a crucified leader was, to the Romans, both baffling and offensive. Yet for believers, this method of death became a demonstration of ultimate love and obedience.
Meaning and Significance
In Christianity, the crucifixion of Jesus is considered the central event in the story of salvation. It represents the climax of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The death of Jesus on the cross is seen not only as a historical occurrence but also as a theological turning point that redefined the relationship between God and mankind.
Christian doctrine teaches that through the crucifixion of Jesus bore the punishment for humanity’s sins, a concept often referred to as substitutionary atonement. He was innocent, yet willingly suffered and died in place of sinners. His sacrifice is interpreted as the ultimate expression of love and obedience to the will of God the Father.
The cross, originally an instrument of shame, was transformed into a symbol of hope. The Apostle Paul wrote, “We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23). What was once seen as weakness became the defining image of divine strength and grace. For believers, the crucifixion of Jesus brings assurance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.
Beyond personal salvation, the crucifixion of Jesus also sets a pattern for Christian living. Jesus called his followers to “take up their cross” and follow him, suggesting a life marked by humility, self-denial, and service. The event is both historical and deeply personal, calling every believer to reflect on its meaning in their own life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Jesus really crucified?
Yes. Besides the biblical accounts, Roman historian Tacitus and Jewish historian Josephus refer to Jesus’ execution under Pontius Pilate, providing extra-biblical confirmation of the event.
Who killed Jesus?
According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. While Jewish religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy and sought his execution, it was the Roman authorities who carried out the sentence. The New Testament emphasizes that Jesus willingly gave his life, viewing the crucifixion of Jesus as part of God’s redemptive plan rather than a simple act of political violence.
Did the Jews kill Jesus?
No. Jesus was executed by Roman authorities under the governance of Pontius Pilate. While some Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem at the time opposed Jesus and pushed for his arrest, the crucifixion of Jesus itself was a Roman sentence carried out by Roman soldiers. The Gospel accounts do not assign blame to the Jewish people as a whole. In fact, Jesus and his earliest followers were Jewish. Broadly blaming “the Jews” for Jesus’ death has no basis in the biblical text and has led to historical injustices that many Christian denominations now formally reject.
Why was Jesus killed?
Jesus was executed because both religious and political authorities viewed him as a threat. The Jewish leadership accused him of blasphemy for claiming divine authority, while Roman officials feared that his growing following and messianic claims could incite rebellion. From a Christian theological perspective, Jesus was not merely killed by human powers—his death was a voluntary sacrifice, intended to redeem humanity from sin. The crucifixion of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and initiated the possibility of reconciliation between God and mankind.
Why do Christians emphasize the crucifixion instead of the resurrection?
Christians emphasize both. The crucifixion of Jesus represents the payment for sin, and the resurrection affirms that Jesus conquered death. Together, they form the foundation of Christian salvation.
What does it mean when Jesus said, “It is finished”?
This phrase, recorded in John 19:30, signifies that Jesus had completed the work he was sent to do—fulfilling prophecy, satisfying divine justice, and securing the means of redemption.
Why was crucifixion of Jesus so public and humiliating?
The Roman Empire used crucifixion to make examples of criminals. Executions were staged in prominent areas to instill fear and maintain control. Victims were stripped and exposed, reinforcing shame as part of the punishment.
Pilate also used force to suppress Jewish protests. In one instance, he used funds from the Temple treasury to build an aqueduct, prompting public outcry. When demonstrators protested, Pilate ordered soldiers to disperse them—again leading to fatalities. These accounts present Pilate as a governor willing to use lethal force to maintain Roman order, especially when faced with religious or political unrest.
Who else did Pontius Pilate order to be killed?
According to historical sources, Pontius Pilate authorized multiple violent actions during his tenure as Roman governor of Judea (circa 26–36 CE), beyond the crucifixion of Jesus. The Jewish historian Josephus records that Pilate ordered the massacre of a group of Samaritans at Mount Gerizim. They had gathered believing they would uncover sacred relics left by Moses, but Pilate viewed the assembly as a potential uprising and dispatched troops, resulting in numerous deaths. This incident led to a formal complaint and ultimately to Pilate being recalled to Rome.
What happened to the two criminals crucified beside Jesus?
According to Luke 23, one criminal mocked Jesus, while the other asked for mercy and was told, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This exchange is often cited to illustrate repentance and grace.
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