Crucifixion was a death used only among the Romans; it was very terrible and miserable. A
cross was laid on the ground, to which the hands and feet were nailed, it was then lifted up and
fixed upright, so that the weight of the body hung on the nails, till the sufferer died in agony. Christ
thus answered the type of the brazen serpent raised on a pole. Christ underwent all the misery and
shame here related, that he might purchase for us everlasting life, and joy, and glory.
Verses 31–34
Christ was led as a Lamb to the slaughter, as a Sacrifice to the altar. Even the mercies of the
wicked are really cruel. Taking the cross from him, they compelled one Simon to bear it. Make us
ready, O Lord, to bear the cross thou hast appointed us, and daily to take it up with cheerfulness,
following thee. Was ever sorrow like unto his sorrow? And when we behold what manner of death
he died, let us in that behold with what manner of love he loved us. As if death, so painful a death,
were not enough, they added to its bitterness and terror in several ways.
Verses 35–44
It was usual to put shame upon malefactors, by a writing to notify the crime for which they
suffered. So they set up one over Christ's head. This they designed for his reproach, but God so
overruled it, that even his accusation was to his honour. There were crucified with him at the same
time, two robbers. He was, at his death, numbered among the transgressors, that we, at our death,
might be numbered among the saints. The taunts and jeers he received are here recorded. The
enemies of Christ labour to make others believe that of religion and of the people of God, which
they themselves know to be false. The chief priests and scribes, and the elders, upbraid Jesus with
being the King of Israel. Many people could like the King of Israel well enough, if he would but
come down from the cross; if they could but have his kingdom without the tribulation through
which they must enter into it. But if no cross, then no Christ, no crown. Those that would reign
with him, must be willing to suffer with him. Thus our Lord Jesus, having undertaken to satisfy
the justice of God, did it, by submitting to the punishment of the worst of men. And in every minute
particular recorded about the sufferings of Christ, we find some prediction in the Prophets or the
Psalms fulfilled.
Verses 45–50
During the three hours which the darkness continued, Jesus was in agony, wrestling with the
powers of darkness, and suffering his Father's displeasure against the sin of man, for which he was
now making his soul an offering. Never were there three such hours since the day God created man
upon the earth, never such a dark and awful scene; it was the turning point of that great affair, man's
redemption and salvation. Jesus uttered a complaint from Ps 22:1. Hereby he teaches of what use
the word of God is to direct us in prayer, and recommends the use of Scripture expressions in prayer.
The believer may have tasted some drops of bitterness, but he can only form a very feeble idea of
the greatness of Christ's sufferings. Yet, hence he learns something of the Saviour's love to sinners;
hence he gets deeper conviction of the vileness and evil of sin, and of what he owes to Christ, who
delivers him from the wrath to come. His enemies wickedly ridiculed his complaint. Many of the