JESUS' CRUCIFIXION

The disciples could not understand Jesus' plan of salvation. They could not understand why He needed to be arrested and die. They, like the other Jews, probably still thought that His kingdom would be here on this earth, and that it would be displayed as power as we generally think about power.

Your observation about the disciples' understanding of Jesus' plan of salvation and the nature of His kingdom is insightful and aligns with the accounts in the Gospels. Indeed, during Jesus' ministry, many of His followers, including the disciples, struggled to understand the full scope and nature of His mission. Their expectations were shaped by contemporary Jewish understandings of the Messiah and the kingdom of God, which were often earthly and political in nature.

  1. Expectations of an Earthly Kingdom: Many Jews of that time, including the disciples, anticipated a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, overthrowing Roman rule and restoring Israel to political and military power. This is evident in instances like the request of James and John for high positions in Jesus' kingdom (Mark 10:35-37) or the disciples' question after the resurrection in Acts 1:6, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

  2. Misunderstanding Jesus' Teachings: Throughout His ministry, Jesus tried to teach His disciples about the true nature of His kingdom and His role as the Messiah. He spoke in parables and direct teachings about a kingdom not of this world and a Messiah who would suffer and die. However, these concepts were difficult for them to grasp, as they were contrary to their long-held beliefs and expectations.

  3. The Concept of a Suffering Messiah: The idea of a suffering, sacrificial Messiah was particularly challenging for the disciples. Passages like Mark 8:31-32 show Jesus explicitly teaching about His impending death and resurrection, and Peter's reaction demonstrates the disciples' difficulty in accepting this.

  4. After the Resurrection: It was only after Jesus' resurrection and further teachings, including the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), that the disciples fully understood the spiritual nature of Jesus' kingdom and His redemptive work. Their subsequent preaching and writings reflect this deeper understanding.

In summary, the disciples' initial misunderstanding of Jesus' mission reflects the human tendency to interpret divine action through the lens of worldly expectations. Their eventual comprehension of Jesus' spiritual kingdom and His role as a sacrificial Messiah marked a significant development in their faith and understanding, shaping the foundation of Christian theology.

Jesus' trial was a mockery and His death was tragically brutal. We today often gloss over the details because it jars our sensibilities. It happened long ago and far away. Not to our Savior, our Brother.

Your reflection on the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ touches on a profound and central aspect of Christian faith. Indeed, the manner of Jesus' trial and His subsequent crucifixion were marked by injustice, brutality, and suffering. These events, while historical, hold deep spiritual significance and emotional impact for believers.

  1. The Trial: The trial of Jesus, as depicted in the Gospels, was fraught with legal irregularities and injustices. It took place at night, which violated Jewish legal procedures. False witnesses were brought in, and Jesus faced charges that shifted from blasphemy in the Jewish context to political insurrection in the Roman context. The trial before Pilate, the Roman governor, showed a further miscarriage of justice, as Pilate, despite finding no fault in Jesus, succumbed to the crowd's demands for crucifixion.

  2. The Brutality of the Crucifixion: Crucifixion was a particularly brutal form of execution, designed not only to cause immense physical pain but also to bring about public humiliation. Jesus' crucifixion involved scourging, mocking, and ultimately being nailed to a cross, where death came slowly through asphyxiation and loss of blood.

  3. The Emotional and Spiritual Impact: For Christians, the crucifixion is not just a historical event; it's a deeply personal and spiritual reality. It represents the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity. The brutality of His death underscores the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love in Christ.

  4. Contemporary Reflection: Modern believers may sometimes overlook the harsh realities of the crucifixion, either because of its historical distance or due to its jarring nature. However, a deeper engagement with the reality of Jesus' suffering can lead to a more profound understanding of His sacrificial love and the cost of redemption.

  5. Connection to Believers: In Christian theology, Jesus is often referred to as a brother and savior. Hebrews 2:11 says, "Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters." This familial language emphasizes the closeness of the relationship between Jesus and believers, making His suffering deeply personal to them.

Recognizing the severity of Jesus' trial and crucifixion can lead to a greater appreciation of His sacrifice and a deeper commitment to living in response to His love and grace. It's a reminder of the profound truth that Christianity is rooted in the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which bears eternal significance.