Why Crucifixion?

Why Crucifixion? Why not end Jesus’ life by scourging or being stoned to death? Because the Jewish authorities would have known the teaching in Deuteronomy which states anyone who hangs on a tree will be cursed by God.

“And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God”

(Deut. 21:22-23).

Crucifixion should have brought a dramatic end to the growing movement of Jesus’ Messiahship and shamed his“honored” name. Instead, the exact opposite happened. The movement grew exponentially. The most rejected became the most honored! Paul’s message is clear in Galatians:

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who was hanged on a tree”

(Gal 3:13).

Jesus picks us up, straps us on His back with the crossbar, and drags Himself to the olive tree stump unto which He was nailed. Jesus bears the curse for us, a curse for which we deserve.

The One who is worthy sacrifices for the unworthy. How can we ever repay Jesus for His selfless sacrifice? We can’t. AllHe asks in return is for us to pick up our cross and follow Him. It is then we too can be crucified, crucified with Christ.For we no longer live, He now lives in us! 

(Gal 2:20)