The death of Jesus is both the darkest and brightest moment in the history of the world. It is an event that was witnessed by disciples, soldiers, and enemies of Jesus (John 19:16-30; Mark 15:31-32).

It is also an event that we are watched occur by faith. While we are 2,000 years removed from the death of the Lord, we can still witness the moment through the word of God.

The Event of Gethsemane

  • After their gathering in the upper room, Jesus and His apostles then headed for Gethsemane. Once there, Jesus continued in prayer (this time in agony). He took with Him Peter, James, and John. He asked them to be alert and keep watch for Him (Matthew 26:36-38, 40). Unfortunately, He found them asleep each time He returned to them. He told them to watch and pray (Matthew 26:41).
  • Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus prayed this on three separate occasions.
  • Judas eventually arrives with a large crowd. They were there for Judas to point Jesus out to them so they could arrest Him (Matthew 26:47-48).
  • The disciples (being in fear) abandoned Jesus and fled (Matthew 26:52-56).

The Trials

  • Jesus was brought before Annas and then Caiaphas (John 18:12-24).
  • Many false witnesses were brought forward, but none could agree (Matthew 26:59-30). Caiphas got frustrated with all the contradictory witnesses and decided to plainly ask Jesus, “Are you the Christ?” Jesus answers, “I am” (Mark 14:62). Caiphas tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?”
  • The priests, elders, and scribes all agreed Jesus needed to be condemned to die. Some then began mocking Him, spitting on Him, slapping, and beating Him with their fists.
  • The next morning, the chief priests and elders bound Jesus and brought Him before Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea. They told Pilate that Jesus was causing problems for the empire (Luke 23:1-2). They knew that bringing these charges would get Pilate’s attention.
  • After spending some time questioning Jesus, and finding no fault in Him, Pilate told the religious leaders to take Jesus to Herod since He was from Galilee. King Herod was excited to see Jesus because he had heard about Him and wanted to see Him perform a miracle. After Jesus refused to speak to him, Herod and his soldiers mocked the Lord and sent Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:8-12).
  • Pilate continued to say he could find no fault in Jesus. Once the Jews continued to aggressively insist that Jesus be crucified (even agreeing to let a murderer named Barabbas go free), Pilate washed his hands before them and handed Jesus over to be scourged and eventually crucified (Matthew 27:15-25; John 19:1-16).

The Crucifixion

  • Crucifixion was a terrible way to die! Jesus hung between two thieves for six hours (Luke 23:33).
  • During this, He was mocked, insulted, and despised (Luke 23:35). Soldiers offered Him sour wine and cast lots for His garments (Luke 23:36).
  • Darkness came over the land for several hours (Luke 23:44). The veil of the temple was torn in two (Luke 23:45). Jesus cried out to His Father and died (Luke 23:46).
  • A spear was stuck into the Lord’s side to make sure He was dead (John 19:34).

What else should we see?

  • The cross shows us the seriousness of sin. Sin carries a hefty price tag (Romans 6:23). Jesus died on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2).
  • The cross shows us the submission of Jesus to the will of the Father (Hebrews 5:8; Philippians 2:6-8; Matthew 26:39, 53-54; John 5:30; 6:38). We should also be in full submission to God!
  • The cross shows us the great love of God (John 3:16; 15:13; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 5:8-9). The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us!

Conclusion:

The message of the cross must be believed for one to be saved (1 Corinthians 1:18).