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Chapter 78—Jesus Dies on Calvary
This chapter is based on
Matthew 27:31-53
;
Mark 15:20-38
;
Luke
23:26-46
;
John 19:16-30
.
“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary,
there they crucified Him.”
The news of Christ’s condemnation had spread, and people of
all classes and ranks flocked toward the place of crucifixion. The
priests and rulers had been bound by a promise not to molest Christ’s
followers if He Himself were delivered to them, and the disciples
and believers joined the throng.
The cross which had been prepared for Barabbas was laid on
Jesus’ bleeding shoulders. Two companions of Barabbas were to
suffer death at the same time, and on them also crosses were placed.
Since the Passover supper with His disciples, Jesus had taken neither
food nor drink. He had endured the anguish of betrayal and had seen
His disciples forsake Him. He had been taken to Annas, to Caiaphas,
to Pilate, to Herod, then again to Pilate. All that night there had been
scene after scene to try the soul of man to the uttermost. Christ had
not failed. He had borne Himself with dignity. But when after the
second scourging the cross was laid on Him, human nature could
bear no more. He fell fainting beneath the burden.
The crowd manifested no compassion. They taunted Him be-
cause He could not carry the heavy cross. Again the burden was
laid on Him, and again He fell. His persecutors saw that it was
impossible for Him to carry His burden further. Who would bear
the humiliating load? The Jews could not, because the defilement
would prevent them from keeping the Passover.
[496]
At this time a stranger, Simon a Cyrenian, coming in from the
country, met the throng. He stopped in astonishment at the scene,
and as he expressed compassion, they seized him and placed the
cross on his shoulders.
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