What are the things the author emphasized about crucifixion?
The absence of violence, which is common in contemporary video presentation of Jesus' death. Instead, the author chose the following 3 things to focus on:
1. v.17-22 The notice written on the cross, "“Jesus the Nazarene, the king of the Jews.”
From the previous passage, the Jews gave up their king/Messiah. Jesus died because His own people did not accept Him. They pushed Pilate to give Jesus the most shameful way of execution (19:6). (BKC) The Jewish leaders displayed their hatred of Jesus and shouted for His death. Crucifixion was a shameful death, usually reserved for criminals, slaves, and especially revolutionaries.
Reflection: Jesus told His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). Jesus took His cross 19:24, but He actually did not need to do that. It was for us. Have we ever taken up humiliation for Jesus?
[optional] Why did Pilate write this? (NET) Pilate saw this as a subtle way of getting back at the Jewish authorities who had pressured him into the execution of one he considered to be an innocent man.
2. v.23-24 The fulfillment of the Scripture, "“They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they threw dice.”
(PNTC) The Scripture cited is Psalm 22:18 (LXX 21:19), following exactly the words of the LXX. The psalmist is afflicted by both physical distress and the mockery of his opponents, and apparently uses the symbolism of an execution scene, in which the executioners distribute the victim’s clothes, to elaborate the depth of his sense of abandonment.
Reflection: When Jesus was humiliated He did not become bitter. Instead, He thought about the needs of others, namely, His family. He took care of His mother even when He was in such an extreme situation Himself. How about us? Do we think about others? Even in our comfortable situation do we care about others?
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