Crucifixion comes from the Latin derivative meaning: fixed to a cross.
In Hebrews 12:2, it is recorded: "We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because the results would bring Him total joy! And now look!....there He is....seated with our Heavenly Father!"
Some facts I have taken note in regards to "the Greatest Event of all Time":
1. One of the most disgraceful forms of death, as well as the most dreaded methods of executions in the ancient world.
a) crucifixions date back to the Assyrians in the 700's B.C. It was a common method used during the Alexander the Great conquests (350-323 B.C.).
2. This type of execution was usually reserved for traitors, captives of opposing armies, slaves, and the worst of known criminals.
3. There were 4 basic types of crosses: 1. Crux Simplex 2. Crux Commissa 3. Crux Decussata, and
4. Crux Immissa
4. Jesus' final hours was from 9:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon.
5. The New Testament records 27 separate documents, written in the first century A.D. that describes the life and works of Jesus Christ.
6. Flavius Josephus, the Jewish historian born in 37A.D. records the existence of Jesus, referred to many as the "Christ."
7. Cornelus Tacitus, the Roman historian born in 112 A.D. records the existence of Jesus Christ and the Christians in Rome during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero.
8. Various Jewish rabbis from 40 A.D. to 180 A.D. wrote of Jesus Christ hanging on a cross at the eve of Passover, a disruption in the Temple, and certain healings that came about when people would administer to the sick using "His Name".
9. Jesus walked approximately 2.5 miles to the actual place called "the Skull".
10. Jewish law was repeatedly broken by the arrest and trial of one called "Jesus the Christ."
11. The nails used at the Cross of Christ were approximately 7" long and 3/8" thick.
12. The cross when elevated was approximately 7' in height.
13. Jesus accepted the "wine vinegar" as a drink while still on the cross. The "wine vinegar" was administered to Him on the "stalk of a hyssop plant", which was also used to apply the blood of the Passover Lamb to all the doorposts of the Jewish community.
14. The "wine vinegar" was a product of fermentation, made from grapes and yeast. The word actually translated means "that which is soured or leavened". Leaven is the Biblical symbol for sin, and when Jesus accepted this drink, He was drinking in the "sins of all mankind".
15. The average time a person would suffer and die on a cross was about 2-4 days, some ancient manuscripts reporting of victims lasting 9 days upon a cross.
16. Pilate, the governor of Judah appointed by Rome, was surprised at Christ's death so soon(Mark 15:44).
17. Some confer the only real answer to Christ's death coming so quickly was the fact He chose to give His life up at that point...even going as far as to write "Death had really no way of restraining or slowing the process down".
There are many arguments...throughout history of whether there really was a Jesus Christ?...or did He really suffer and die on a cross?...and for all of mankind's sins?...and did He actually resurrect?....and was He actually seen afterwards?...and the most prominent question...Is He still alive today?
Personally, I don't think logical discourse can ever prove or come into a complete agreement of Christ's very existence. The Gospels were not designed that way....for the heart of understanding any of the Scriptures require an element of faith, faith before any rationale of the mind can be implemented.
Now, as for those us who accepts this message the Gospels bring...by making faith our primary choice to understanding the work of the Cross and coming into contact with Jesus, the One called Christ.......Yes!...He Lives!
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