04/03/2026
Crucifixion was arguably one of the most horrific methods of ex*****on ever devised. The Bible does not describe in graphic detail just how brutal this punishment was. The Romans used it for approximately 500 years until it was abolished in the 4th century AD by Emperor Constantine. Even before He was nailed to the cross, Jesus was brutally beaten and whipped by Roman soldiers and forced to wear a crown of sharp thorns. Medical experts believe this scourging alone could have been fatal due to severe blood loss and shock.
The crucifixion process itself was agonizing. The victim was first laid on the crossbeam (patibulum). Soldiers drove large spikes through the wrists—piercing the median nerve and sending searing pain up the arms. The crossbeam was then lifted and attached to the upright post, often dislocating the shoulders and elbows in the process. Finally, another spike was driven through the feet, again striking major nerves.
As the person hung there, breathing became extremely difficult. Inhaling was possible, but exhaling required pushing up with the legs—causing intense pain from the wounds. Over time, this led to slow suffocation, exhaustion, and often a heart attack. Death could take anywhere from several hours to three or four days. To hasten death, the Romans sometimes broke the victim’s legs so they could no longer push up to breathe.
Jesus endured not only this unimaginable physical torment but also constant verbal ridicule from the crowd and soldiers. They taunted Him, saying that if He were truly God or the King of the Jews, He should save Himself. What they did not realize was that Jesus could have come down from the cross—but doing so would have meant the condemnation of the entire world.
Jesus was the only sinless person in the history of humanity. Yet because of the cruelty of mankind, He died a criminal’s death. The Son of God, who came into the world to offer salvation, suffered the shame of ex*****on on a cross. Jesus, who showed mercy to the tax collector, the adulteress, the l***r, and countless others, now experienced deep shame—all because of His undying love for the world.
Even in the midst of His suffering, as He hung on the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” His compassion for us was expressed in one of the last statements He made before death overtook Him.
Come join me tonight at 7:00 at Charter Oak Church Crossroads campus for Good Friday service in remembrance of Jesus death on the cross.