Easter Journey Nears Its End

In the build-up to Easter, Rosemary Dawson looks at key events in the life of Jesus. This week: Crucifixion (Luke chapters 22 and 23)

The end is in sight. For Jesus, the Easter journey is almost over. What began with a triumphant procession into Jerusalem, accompanied by cheering crowds, is ending in disgrace with a slow and painful crucifixion in the company of criminals. Cheers become jeers. Friends and followers drift away. Jesus faces death alone.

After his betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is questioned by the Jewish religious leaders. Unhappy with his answers, they take him to Pilate, the Roman Governor. Pilate tries to pass the buck and sends him to the Galilean King Herod, who happened to be in Jerusalem. But he only returns him to Pilate.

Pilate declares that Jesus ‘has done nothing to deserve death’ (Luke 23:15 New International Version) but says he will have him flogged and released. However, a crowd of people say they would rather he release Barabbas, who is in prison for insurrection and murder. They demand that Jesus be crucified. Eventually Pilate gives the crowd what they want. Jesus begins the journey to the place of crucifixion.

Two other men, both criminals, are to be executed with him. The crowds taunt Jesus with jeers and insults. He has saved others, they say, but cannot save himself. Jesus responds with a prayer: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ (23:34).

One of the men hanging with him joins in: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ (23:39). But the other rebukes him and points out that, whereas they are being punished for crimes, Jesus has done nothing wrong. Then he says to Jesus: ‘Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ Jesus answers him: ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise’ (23:42, 43).

Moments from death, the penitent criminal has the assurance of life. His route to salvation can be ours if we acknowledge that we are sinners; confess that Jesus is the sinless Son of God; and trust that his death can be the means by which we gain entrance to God’s Kingdom.

If we do so, we too can have the assurance of eternal life.

UK & Ireland War Cry 12 April 2014
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