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mother: “Woman, behold, thy son,” and to John, “Behold, thy mother” (John 19: 25-27). During the hours of darkness, the four last sayings of the dying Saviour followed in quick succession. The for saken One cried: “My. God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27: 46). Then, in His distress, He said: “I thirst” (John 19:28). This wgs followed by the Victor’s shout: “It is finished” (John 19:30). His final word was: “Fath er, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46). It is noteworthy that the words spoken during the first stages of the crucifixion should be a prayer for His murderers. They know not what they do. It is sometimes argued that this prayer was especially for the Roman sol diers who were merely executing the orders of their superiors and had had no part in condemning Christ. But sure ly it had a wider outlook than this, for our Lord had taught His disciples to love their enemies and to pray for their per secutors (Matt. 5 :44) ; and should He do less? The Jewish authorities were igno rant of the full meaning and importance of their act (cf. Acts 3:17). Parting his garments. The Roman soldiers who had charge of an execution were entitled to the garments of those crucified. Four of Christ’s garments were divided among them. The inner garment, or tunic, was found to be of one piece, and therefore they gambled for its possession. In this they fulfilled prophecy (Psa. 22:18; cf. John 19:23, 24). II. The Son of God Reviled (35-39). V. 35. The people stood beholding. The word “beholding” indicates a steady and solemn gaze at the terrible spectacle (cf. Psa. 22:17; Zech. 12:10). They seemed to be so awed that they were silenced; at least, they were not so active in re viling Jesus as were the leaders of Israel. Rulers also scoffed. These were mem bers of the Sanhedrin. Matthew gives the information that they were chief priests, scribes, and elders. He saved others. Even His enemies were compelled to admit that Christ was a Saviour. He had saved many from sin and sickness and had delivered some even from death. Tauntingly they said: “Let Him save Himself and thus prove that He is Christ, the Chosen of God.” They did not under stand that it was because He was the Christ and must die in order to save oth ers that He could not save Himself. He had never used His miracle-working pow er for Himself, and He would not do so now. V. 36. Soldiers also mocked him. These brutal men simply joined in the reviling which the leading Jews were hurling at the sufferer. Offering him vinegar. That is, common sour wine. Apparently they held the wine cup again and again to
H eart of the L esson I. The Son o f Man Crucified (33, 34). V. 33. The place . . . called The skull. Calvary is the Latin form and Golgotha the Aramaic form of the word translated “skull.” According to tradition, it was so named because it was a low hill,
June 7, 1931 Jesus Crucified
Lesson: Luke 23. (Lesson Text: Luke 23:33-46.)
Golden T e x t: “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our in iquities ; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). * * * L esson in O utline I. 77 k ; .Son o / Mon Crucified (33, 34). 1. The placS—Calvary (33). 2. The companions—two malefactors (33) . 3. The Saviour’s prayer for enemies (34) . 4. Casting lots for His garments (34) . II. The Son of God Reviled (35-39). 1. By rulers, mocking the Saviour (35) . 2. By soldiers, mocking the King (36, 37). 3. By Pilate, mocking the King of the Jews (38). 4. By the robber, railing on the Sav iour (39). III. The Saviour and the Penitent Rob ber (40-43). 1. The robber’s confession of sin (40, 41). 2. The robber’s confession of Christ (41). a. He is sinless. b. He is a King. 3.1;The'robber’s plea (42). 4. The Saviour’s mercy (43). IV. Jesus, the Dying Saviour (44-46). 1. Nature veiled in darkness (44, 45). - 2. Veil of the temple rent (45). IMMEDIATELY after the agonized prayer and the betrayal in Gethsemane, Jesus was led away for judgment. There were six mock trials, three ecclesiastical and three civil. After the Jewish authori ties had accounted Him worthy of death, they led Him away to Pilate. When Pilate heard that Jesus was a Galilean, he sent Him to Herod, governor of Galilee, who was in Jerusalem at the time (23:7). Herod arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe and mocked Him, then sent Him back to Pilate (23:11). The story of Pilate’s repeated attempts to appease the populace without condemning Jesus to death is familiar. He did not succeed either in setting Him free or in shifting responsi bility for His death; and finally he signed the death warrant. Jesus was immediate ly led away to be crucified. 3. The Victor’s shout (46). 4. The life yielded up (46). * * * A pproach to the L esson
shaped like a skull. The traditional site is now occupied by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. An other site is favored by some scholars. There they crucified him. C rucifixion
was the Roman, not the Jewish, method of putting criminals to death. No method more painful or horrible could be devised. And the malefactors. The two robbe'rs may have belonged to the band of which Barabbas was the chief. They were hated enemies of society.' The authorities ev idently sought to make it appear that Je sus- was in the same class with them. In the divine program, it was the fulfillment of the prophecy: “He was numbered with the transgressors” (cf. Isa. 53:9, 12). V. 34. Father, forgive them. This was the first of the seven sayings of Christ on the cross. It was followed by the promise to the penitent thief: “Today shalt thou, be with me in paradise” (v. 43). The third word was spoken to His Teachers--Take Notice Correspondence Course in the Book of Acts By the Well-Known Author K eith L. B rooks Of special value during the next six months to teachers of the International S. S. Lessons E ac h v e rse th o ro u g h ly an aly zed by th e q u e stio n m ethod, w ith c om p a riso n of sc rip tu re . L essons in loose-leaf form . S p ace p r o vided o p p o site e ac h q u estio n fo r stu d e n t to re c o rd an sw er. No ex am in atio n s. P e rso n a l help fro m S e c re ta ry w hen n ecessary . C e rtifica te u p o n c om p letio n of course. ENROLL TODAY Only $2.50 Appl y: Correspondence School Bible Institute 536 So. H ope S t., L os A ngeles, C alif.
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