Christ’s Death

As Jesus fell, fainting with the burden of carrying the cross, the women broke into mournful wailing. This attracted Jesus’ attention. Although full of pain, bearing the sins of the world, he was not indifferent to this expression of grief. He looked at the women with tender compassion. It is doubtful if they understood at that time that Jesus was their Messiah sent from God, but they were certainly moved by feelings of human pity. “Daughters of Jerusalem,” he said, “Weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.”

In the terrible scene, many of those who at that time were weeping for him were later to perish with their children. Jesus represented himself, the innocent redeemer. God suffered His wrath against transgression to fall on His beloved son. Jesus was to be crucified for the sins of men.

Arriving at the place of execution, the three prisoners were subjected to the torture of crucifixion. Did the two thieves resist the process? Surely Jesus himself would have made no resistance as he was stretched upon the cross and the spikes were driven through the tender flesh and the strong bone. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, Jesus prayed for his enemies, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” The disciples had previously run away but John, in obedience to Jesus, tended Mary the mother of Jesus, and took her into his home.

Bro Melusi Ndlovu (Kwekwe Zimbabwe)