Crucifixion Duty
Scripture – Luke 23:32-34: 32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Reflection: Indeed, the people involved in this crucifixion did not know what they were doing. They didn’t understand who Jesus was. They didn’t know what an awesome event was happening right before their eyes. And they probably missed what Jesus was saying about forgiveness, because they didn’t think they were doing anything wrong.
I often think about the soldiers who actually did the crucifixions. How did they feel about this duty? This was a brutal form of execution. They would have had to harden themselves and distance themselves from the victims. Any clothing left over was part of their reward for the day.
I think Jesus clearly had them in mind when He forgave them. They were innocent in that they were just following orders. Whatever became of them, I wonder? After this day of crucifixion duty, were their lives changed? As the news began to spread a few days later, did they look back? What I do know is my life changed that day. Even though I was born over nineteen centuries afterwards, my life is changed because of the cross of Christ. And for that, I will be forever thankful.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, August 9
Luke 23:35-38: 35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” 36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Reading for Monday, August 10
Luke 23:39-43: 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Reflection: Indeed, the people involved in this crucifixion did not know what they were doing. They didn’t understand who Jesus was. They didn’t know what an awesome event was happening right before their eyes. And they probably missed what Jesus was saying about forgiveness, because they didn’t think they were doing anything wrong.
I often think about the soldiers who actually did the crucifixions. How did they feel about this duty? This was a brutal form of execution. They would have had to harden themselves and distance themselves from the victims. Any clothing left over was part of their reward for the day.
I think Jesus clearly had them in mind when He forgave them. They were innocent in that they were just following orders. Whatever became of them, I wonder? After this day of crucifixion duty, were their lives changed? As the news began to spread a few days later, did they look back? What I do know is my life changed that day. Even though I was born over nineteen centuries afterwards, my life is changed because of the cross of Christ. And for that, I will be forever thankful.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, August 9
Luke 23:35-38: 35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” 36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Reading for Monday, August 10
Luke 23:39-43: 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
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