Faith Formation: Matthew The Gospel of God With Us Matthew 27:32-37 October 31, 2024

As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull), they offered him wine mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." Matthew 27:32-37

The description of Jesus crucifixion was brief in all the Gospels. "And they crucified him..." Nails in the hands and feet were not mentioned. The jarring drop of the cross into the ground was not mentioned. Few of the gory details so often portrayed in art, film and the general imagination of tradition were mentioned. The Gospel writers did not need to rehearse the details for a few reasons. First, their readers or listeners, having seen crucifixions, were well aware of the details. Secondly, the reality of crucifixion was so offensive and ugly that few wanted to be reminded of it cruelty. Still, ancient writers did write about in all its graphic horror so we have become aware what it was. Martin Hengel wrote a short, 90 page, book titled "Crucifixion" that sifted through the eyewitness reports of this extremely cruel punishment. Followers of Christ crucified were considered mad, insane, perverse, engaged in extravagant superstition, sick, deluded, senseless, crazy, ridiculous, and foolish. The very word "cross" was painful to hear. One ancient writer, Varro, said, "to say 'pleasure' is gentle on the ears, but to say 'cross' is harsh. The harshness of the later word matches the pain brought on by the cross." No wonder that the Gospel writers simply mentioned that Jesus was crucified but gave as few details of his suffering as possible.

On the cross Jesus was offered "wine mixed with gall." Gall was some bitter substance. Mixed with wine it may have had some narcotic effect to relieve pain. Perhaps it was a limited act of compassion. Christians heard echoes of Psalm 69:21 "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Jesus refused to drink. Piety suggests he was destined to feel the full weight and pain of the sin of the world and death without any palliative defense against it.

The dividing up of Jesus clothes was also referenced to the Psalms. "They stare and gloat over me; they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots." Though the church insisted that depictions of the Jesus on the cross be dignified by the addition of a loin clothe, Jesus, like others would have died naked. Humiliation was part of the suffering and deterrent. The dying had no need of their clothing but soldiers believed they had a right to what little the crucified possessed. The soldiers also stuck around and "kept watch over him." It was a gruesome and boring task. Soldiers were also assigned to watch the tomb where he was buried. There would be no rescue by Jesus followers, nor any theft of his body which might inspire rumors of a resurrection. Matthew includes it to confirm tat Jesus did actually die on the cross, against later heretical beliefs that he only appeared to die in the flesh but not in the spirit.

The sign over his head was a continuation of the mockery and insults that landed on Jesus earlier. The charge against Jesus was not blasphemy, the charge of the chief priests and elders. Pilate did not care about the religious reasons for which Jesus might be condemned. The charge throughout Pilates encounter with Jesus was political. "are you the king of the Jews?" Speaking to the crowd of chief priests, elders and others Pilate used the term "Messiah," but for him it was interchangeable with "King." The soldiers who flogged Jesus likewise understood that this was the charge that mattered. "Hail, King of the Jews." It was not shouted with respect or honor, but was entirely spoken with ridicule and contempt. The charge posted against him, and paraded through the streets ahead of him as he made his way to Golgotha, read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." Again it was purely ridicule and contempt both for Jesus but also against the chief priests, elders and people of Israel. John reported that "Many of the Jews" understood they were being mocked Pilate to change the charge so that it was specific to Jesus and not a reflection of their hopes and beliefs. "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'This man said, 'I am King of the Jews." Many wanted no connection insinuated between their faith and the man being executed.

So began the crucifixion of our Lord.

Keep the faith. Say your prayers. Love like Jesus.

Pastor Tim Bauer