The Crucifixion Debate
By Bishop Obed Bett Chelogoi- MA; ThM
On 21st April 2019.
The story about Jesus life on earth is climaxed on the Cross. Many people have asked me whether it is true Jesus died on a cross or not. The existence of Jesus on earth is not as much disputed as to whether His crucifixion and eventual resurrection ever happened.
Before we delve deeper into this important biblical doctrine, think about this grisly incident preceding His crucifixion. This Hero was beaten up, locked up and in the morning told to carry a rugged cross uphill.
Any person beaten up by a mob the style of Jesus and locked up without a doctor’s attention to stop bleeding on punctured nerves, especially from the head pricked by a crown of thorns, skin ripped off by the whip and torn tissues hanging loose from His body, was as good as dead.
Surprisingly, on 3rd April 33AD the dungeon door where he had been locked up was opened and Jesus was there alive. The day of reckoning had come – the morning that changed the relationship between God and mankind.
But this occasion remains a mystery, shrouded with criticisms and met by resistance, doctrines and divergent views that have formed many spiritual persuasions today.
Crucifixion remains one of the most debated subjects today as it was during the time of the apostles. The apostles did not understand it either yet they had spent literally three years with Jesus (Matt 17:12-13).
In my Christology class I remember writing a 500 page journal on the way of the cross and tried to delve into the deep sea of His life on earth but I am still a student.
I keep thinking, consulting, researching and praying for more information and spiritual insights. One of the most pertinent issues that have been abused is whether Jesus conceded defeat on the Cross or He was not physically crucified.
Let us examine some views that have formed spiritual diversifications experienced today in the world and whether they are true or lacking in content to warrant believe.
Hypothesis 1: Jesus did not fulfill His father’s intentions. One of them is to establish godly families. He was supposed to marry and start a family. He did not do it. People revolted against him. They disbelieved Him. As a result they decided to crucify Him.
Biblical threshold: John says God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son to die for our sins. Jn 3:16. Matt. 1:18-25 says He was born…so that God may live with us. Jn 1:29 says Look the Lamb that takes away the sins of man.
Therefore His Father’s intentions was to redeem mankind, not to marry and establish godly families. Jesus did not deviate from this, for He said He came to do His Father’s will.
Hypothesis 2: He was supposed to come as Messiah but digressed ending in a cross. He was punished just like other criminals. He wanted to be king and was arrested for treason.
Biblical threshold: Jesus was innocent. He was not a criminal. The Pharisees and the Scribes incriminated Him. They exchanged His freedom for a criminal called Barabbas. He came as a messiah and He said so. How could He contradict himself? John 6:38; Matt. 27:11-26; Jn 1:1-14.
Hypothesis 3: Satan tortured him on a cross. It was Satan who succeeded on the cross. Jesus was defeated on the cross.
Biblical threshold: The opposite is true. He defeated Satan on the cross!
The seal on the grave read Satan has won. They thought the king of the world had won. But on the contrary, Jesus came to conquer death brought by the Devil, not to be defeated by it. Col 1:18; Rev.1:5.
Hypothesis 4: Jesus crucifixion ended His life on a cross. He did not resurrect.
Biblical threshold: The Bible says He is the first fruit of them who have slept. 1 Cor.15:20; Lk.23:43.
Hypothesis 5: Crucifixion did not take place. It was a forgery and false testimony.
Biblical threshold: The centurion and others witnessed cosmic seizures and darkness in broad daylight (Lk.23:44) and the curtain separating the Holy of Holies and the rest of the temple split into two. Matt. 27:51; Lk.23:45b
Hypothesis 5: He cried on the Cross and called Elijah to help him so Elijah is superior to him.
Biblical threshold: This is an interpretation delinquency. Elijah came disguised in the person of John the Baptist and was killed. Jesus said the same fate will befall him (Matt 17:12-13).
On the Cross Jesus cried, “Eloi, Eloi… “some thought He was crying to Elijah to help him….” Poor guess! Eloi is Aramaic for “my God”. He was crying to His Father. But again He said, “not my will but Your will be done.” He said “it finished” (His mission of saving the sinful world) and breathed His last. Matt.27:46-50; Jn 19:30.
Hypothesis 6: He was stolen from the grave.
Biblical threshold: This is not true. They conspired to conceal their shame in case Jesus resurrected. The 2 Great Conspiracies were:
Pre trial witnesses- Two false witnesses diverted the court’s attention on the reason for trial and eventual crucifixion (Matt. 26:60b-61).
Post resurrection falsehood- That Jesus did not resurrect but His body was stolen (Matt. 28:11-15). It is true the high priests tried to conspire but they did not succeed.
HISTORIANS DENIED AUTHENTICITY
Flavian Josephus, a Jewish historian and one of Jesus contemporaries, wrote a lot about Jesus life on earth in what is known as Antiquities.
Skeptics labelled Josephus writing on Jesus crucifixion a Christian interpolation hence not acceptable. Powerful Roman politicians like Pliny (In charge of Judea AD 26-36) said Christians had a “Pighead obstinacy”.
Tacitus (Governor of Turkey) called Christianity a religion of a “destructive superstition”.
Yet this most celebrated and the most quoted Human Being that ever lived remains the most debated by both religious and secular scholars. Elsewhere, Josephus says he heard his followers calling themselves Christians after the “sect” leader’s name “Chrustus”.
PROOF THAT HE DIED.
The duration between His crucifixion and death was about 3 hours. At about 3.00 PM Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” … “he gave up his spirit” (Matt 27:46b; 50b)
The prophets. The prophets prophesied about His suffering and death many years before His birth (Isa 53:1-12; Zech 13:1).
He himself said it (Matt 26:2,54,56).
Pontius Pilate decreed (Jn 19:1-5).
Many witnesses outside the court shouted saying He must die, and Barabas be released for them (Jn 18:40).
Chief priests and their officials shouted, “Crucify! crucify!” (Jn 6:7).
The 2 false witnesses (Matt 26:60-61).
The 2 thieves crucified with him (Jn 19:18; Lk 24:39-42)
The 12 disciples (1 Jn 1:3; Jn 19:26-27,Acts 2:24).
Witnesses at Golgotha including His mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas and Mary Magdalene (Jn 19-25), the soldiers who crucified him, onlookers (Matt 27:47).
Guard guarding the tomb (Matt 27:65-66).
Joseph of Arimathea (Jn 19:38).
Nicodemus the Jewish leader who had become His follower (Jn 19:39). Blood and water (Jn 19:34). Seal on the grave. (Matt 27:65-66)
DID HE RESURRECT?
Israel is in a sombre mood. Jesus has died and is buried. Many of His admirers are trying to come to terms following His demise. The 11 disciples were trying to find probably an exit route or face mob lynching. All these things may have been running through their minds as they bemoaned him.
This subject is very important in a Christian life. Christianity holds the claim that it is the only religion in the world whose leader resurrected. Just like all those who thought it was the end of the road for Jesus, I would have probably also told you to bring down your churches, sanctuaries, cathedrals and stop any evangelism, crusades and missions if He did not resurrect.
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that He raised Christ from the dead. But Be did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men,” 1Cor. 15:14-19.
In Matt 27:65 Pontius Pilate, The Procurator of Judea was advised by the chief priests and Pharisees to secure the tomb so that no one steals His body and claims that He had resurrected as He had said. He posted a soldier to guard the tomb. What happened? Do we have evidence He resurrected? The answer is Yes!
FIRST HAND POST RESURRECTION WITNESS
Mary Magdalene and the other women (Jn 20:11-18; Matt 28:8-10; Mk 16:9-10).
Simon Peter on Sunday afternoon (Lk 24:34).
Two disciples on the road to Emmaus at around 4.00 pm (Mk 16:12; Lk 24:13-35).
The 11 disciples minus Thomas on Sunday night (Lk 24:36-43).
The disciples, Thomas included after one week (Jn 20:19-25).
The 7 disciples by the sea of Galilee (Jn 21:1-14). James his brother, apostles and 500 Christians (1Cor 15:6-7). Paul (1Cor 15:6-8). The guards at the tomb. (Matt 28:4)
Seal at the grave broken and tomb empty. (Matt 28:2-4). Witnesses of His ascension at Bethany ( Lk 24:50)
Evidence derived from Historical and Archaeological discoveries and documentations from Bible and secular scholars.
WHY DID HE DIE?
To fulfill the Old Testament prophesies (Matt. 26:53-54;1:22). To destroy Satan’s works (1Jn 3:8; Heb 2:14). To save us who were sinners (Lk 19:10). To give us life (Jn 3:16; Jn 10:10,28). Secure us a place in heaven. (Jn14:1-3)
RECAPITULATION
He is risen! He is no longer in the grave! He ascended to heaven and coming back to take us home. Have hope. Don’t be ashamed of Him. We are Christians today, called after His name Christ. Read and pray vigilantly for your enemy is roaring like a lion seeking for whom to devour (1Pet 5:7).
Let’s Pray:
“Father remove cobwebs in our eyes that lie to us that you are obscure and full of mysteries. Help us to love You for You first loved us, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Father thank You for Jesus’ blood that washes away my sins. Amen.”
Sing hymn, “Standing On The Promises Of God That Cannot Fail“y Russell Carter.
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