Articles
The Last Hours of
Christ, Part One: The Trials and Scourging
God sent His Son to die, and the means of His death was crucifixion.
All four Gospels record the passion of our Lord, providing
significant detail about the enormous suffering and torture
He endured. Other Christian, Jewish, and Roman sources provide
additional insight about scourging and execution on a cross.
The Last Hours of
Christ, Part Two: The Crucifixion
Crucifixion, which probably began with the Persians, was perfected
by the Romans as a form of torture designed to produce a slow
death with maximal pain and suffering. It was one of the most
humiliating and cruel forms of execution. Roman law protected
Roman citizens from crucifixion, except perhaps in the case
of the desertion of a soldier.
Why Did Jesus Have
to Die? Part One: The Sinfulness of Humanity
Jesus had to die for two basic reasons: the sinfulness of
humanity and the holiness and justice of God. Romans 3:23
contains both truths: “All have sinned and fall short
of the glory of God.” By Jesus’ substitution of
Himself for us on the cross, God “demonstrated His righteousness
at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare
righteous the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26).
Why Did Jesus Have
to Die? Part Two: God’s Holiness and Justice
Jesus had to die for two basic reasons: the sinfulness of
humanity and the holiness and justice of God. Part One covered
the sinfulness of humanity, our separation from God and Christ
as the bridge between God and man. Now we will turn our attention
to the other reason Jesus had to die. Jesus’ death addressed
the issues of divine holiness and justice.
The Last Supper
On a fresh spring morning, the sun rose over the Mount of
Olives and cast a spotlight on a city preparing for the most
cherished celebration on the Jewish calendar. The Passover
feast had arrived
The
Illegalities of Jesus' Religious and Civil Trials
Read an in-depth account of the Jewish religious and Roman
civil trials of Jesus that lead to His crucifixion.
Devotions
Joy: A Virtue of
Christ
The second virtue in Galatians 5:22 is joy. You may be surprised
to think of joy as a virtue. However, it is a virtue of Jesus;
and we are noble when we aim for Christ’s joy. At times
Jesus knew joy derived from the occasion (Luke 10:21). He
obviously enjoyed the fellowship of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha
in their home in Bethany (Luke 10:38-39; John 11:3,5).
It’s a Love
Story
There was a time when God looked down on the auction block
of the world and saw you and me. An ugly sight. Bruised, beaten,
naked, humiliated, destroyed, enslaved to sin. We had nothing.
But God gave everything that He had, His beloved Son, to pay
the price for our sin.
Passion Displayed
The night before the crucifixion, the disciples didn’t
know the depth of His passion. Some were expecting a coronation.
Some saw the eve of a battle or revolution. Only Jesus knew.
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