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Pilate asked, “So what shall I do with Jesus, the one said to be ‘Messiah’?” The mob screamed, “Execute him!”1
| 1 | Execute him: The Greek is STAUROTHETO which literally means to impale on a stake or tree. Traditionally this is “crucify him.” Some think the root word STAUROS means a simple upright pole without a cross-beam. Others believe the word to include a stake with a cross-beam. Research the word cross or STAUROS. Because of the two views – each with their logical reasons – we choose a neutral phrase execute or instrument of execution. When the Greek XYLON is used we will prefer “tree.” Those who wish may read “crucify him!” |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Matthew 27:22 as the theme verse of chapter twenty-seven – The Final Hours. The Jewish priests hand Jesus over to the Roman governor Pilate. [1, 2] Judas hangs himself. [3-10] Pilate asks Jesus if he is the Jewish king? [11-14] The crowd chooses Barabbas over Jesus and screams for the Nazarene’s execution. [15-23] The Jewish crowd calls for the blood of Christ to come upon them. [24-26] Jesus is afflicted by the Roman troops. [27-31] He then is executed at Golgotha. [32-37] Hanging from the instrument of execution Jesus is abused by the mob. [38-44] The Master final expires as darkness covers the land. [45-50] At that time the inner curtain of the Jewish temple was ripped in two. [51-54] The women who witnessed the execution are described. [55, 56] The body of Christ is given to Joseph for burial. [57-61] Urged by the Jewish religious hierarchy the Romans seal the tomb against some future imposter. [62-66]
Abba our Father bless those who believe Jesus to be the Son of God.
[19 November 2002]
