Why Jesus’ Death Stands Out
by Tommy Peeler
In the first century, thousands were crucified. “During the last siege of Jerusalem, hundreds of crosses daily arose, till there seemed not sufficient room nor wood for them” (Alfred Edersheim). Of those thousands crucified, how many of the victims could you name? If crucifixion was such a common but horrible death, what makes the cross of Jesus’ death stand out?
The Identity of the Victim
Who was He? He was God come in the flesh (John 1:1-3). He was the Maker of the world (John 1:10). He was the Word become flesh (John 1:14), and He came to reveal the Father (John 1:18).
The Innocence of the Victim
This is not to say that this never happened. No doubt, there were some people crucified who did not deserve it. However, even though they did not deserve death for the charges against them, they had committed sins and wrongdoings.
It is striking how many connected with the cross declare Jesus’ innocence. Pilate (Luke 23:4, 14-15; 22; John 18:38; 19:4, 6), Herod (Luke 23:14-15), Pilate’s wife (Matt. 27:19), Judas (Matthew 27:4), the thief beside Him (Luke 23:41), and the centurion (Luke 23:47).
New Testament writers often affirm Jesus’ innocence of any sin (II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; I Peter 2:22; I John 3:5).
The Willingness of the Victim
No doubt many went to the cross fighting and kicking, but He went of His own free will (John 10:17-18; Matthew 26:39). He could have called a legion of angels to defend Him (Matthew 26:52-54). He went of His own free will. There was no other way they could have taken Him.
The Sacrificial Nature of His Death
He did not die for His own sin, but for ours (Matthew 20:28; 26:28; Romans 5:6-8; I Corinthians 15:3-4).
Isaiah 53:4-7 dramatically presents this.
The Resurrection of the Victim
How many of those crucified were raised from the dead? He was (John 2:19-22; Matthew 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-35; John 20-21), and He gives hope to those who trust and build their lives on Him (John 11:25-26; I Corinthians 15).
This is an outstanding sermon I heard from Bill Crews in 1984. May it be a blessing to you.
