CRUCIFIXION
Even after several hundred years, when we hear the word cross, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died for us. Through the crucifixion, he redeemed all mankind from sin and gave hope for eternal life. A faithful Christian life is to accept Christ Jesus as a personal saviour and with his grace to encounter the trials and tribulations that the world has for a Christian. We don’t have trials and tribulations; anything beyond which Christ has suffered for us. He has set an example through the crucifixion even when we were sinners; Christ has died for our sins. God has given his only son for mankind, and let us meditate Love of Jesus Christ for mankind in detail.
What is Crucifixion?
Crucifixion refers to the execution of a person by means of the cross. This method was first used in countries by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, and later this method was used in countries like Egypt, Persia, Greek and Rome. It was universally regarded as the most heinous type of death. Degradation was also a part of Roman punishment, and it was only used on the most heinous of crimes if it was given to free citizens. The one who would be crucified was stripped of all his garments, and then the most painful event of his life occurred. He was killed by a form of torture. His arms were extended along the cross beams, and the point of a huge iron nail was placed in the center of his open palm, which was driven home into the wood with a hammer blow. Then, while they were being stacked one on top of the other, another massive nail tore its way through the shivering flesh, probably through both legs. We don’t know if the sufferer was also bound to the cross; however, to prevent the hands and feet from being torn away by the weight of the body, which couldn’t “rest upon nothing but four great wounds,” there was a wooden projection at the center of the cross, strong enough to support, at least in part, a human body that quickly became a weight of agony. Then the “accursed tree” was then slowly pulled up, with its living human burden firmly fixed in a hole in the earth. The feet were slightly raised above the ground. Every hand that might choose to attack was within reach of the sufferer. Uncontrollable shaking, cramps, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, chilling fever, tetanus, public shaming, the long continuance of pain, horror of anticipation, mortification of untended wounds, all intensified just up to the point at which they can be endured at all. but all stopping just short of the point at which the sufferer would be relieved by unconsciousness, all seem to be included in death by crucifixion. The out-of-place position made everything more difficult. The unnatural position made every movement painful; the pierced veins and crushed connective tissues hammered with unending pain; the wounds, inflamed by exposure, gradually decayed; the arteries, especially those of the head and stomach, became swollen and oppressed with surcharged blood; and, while each variety of suffering kept increasing, the intolerable pang of a burning and raging thirst was added to them.
Crucifixion is a symbol of Salvation
Crucifixion is not an ordinary act; as we have seen, it is extremely brutal. God has redeemed us through the suffering of his unique Son, Jesus Christ. This redemption serves as a symbol for us and our generations. For 430 years, the people of Israel have been slaves in Egypt. They weep excessively as they witness King Pharaoh’s horrors. Yahweh heard their cries and sent a servant named Moses to deliver them. Pharaoh, on the other hand, had a hard mind. Knowing this, God eventually commanded Israel to keep Passover. During this celebration, the Lord announced that He might cross Egypt and destroy all-male offspring born in the family, from man to beast. The blood of the Passover sacrifice, which symbolized the security of the people of Israel and their redemption from the Egyptians, was to be sprinkled on the doorposts of the houses and on the upper frames. Because the blood of the Passover lamb will be a symbol for you (Israel). (Exodus 12:1-13). The sacrifice of Passover, lamb plays an important role in Israel’s salvation. The lamb’s blood symbolizes salvation.
In Christian life, the innocent Jesus Christ, like the Passover lamb, is crucified and redeemed for our sins. The blood and crucifixion of Jesus Christ guided us to the identity of Christians, which distinguished us from worldly life. The death of the cross is a sign of the redemption we have received. We must act upon the cross by keeping this sign inwardly instead of showing it in outward appearances.
Challenges in Christian life in the shadow of Jesus crucifixion
Many of us think that Christian life should be pleasant without suffering and difficulties. But we must remember that our Lord has redeemed us through the crucifixion. In the identity of being Christians, we are failing to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in all our actions. We conceal our mistakes and blame others who are around us. We eagerly await to receive blessings from the Lord. In Gospel According to Luke 12: 18-30, we saw that the rich young man who wanted to follow Jesus was unwilling to give what he had to others. Like the young man, we are all Christians only by name but not willing to show love and compassion who are marginalized in society. We should be helping hands to the needy, as Jesus says “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24. Kernel of Wheat metaphorically symbolizes the life of Christ. That is to say, when the kernel of the Wheat falls on the ground and passes on, it produces many seeds. Similarly, Christ was crucified on the cross for the salvation of many likes. Realizing this, like Christ Jesus, we are called to be his disciples, free from selfishness and for the good of others.
We should act as a retrieval representative, especially for the people who are socially neglected, excluded due to education, social and economic potential. The true Christian life is to reflect love to everyone by which Christ is reflected in our lives and in the world.
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing; but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. (I Cor1:18).
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