Matthew 27:32–44 (ESV)
The Crucifixion
32 As
they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they
offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they
sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were crucified
with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,
save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot
save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”
44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
There are many people who are mad at the Jews for killing Jesus. I maintain that they do not study the Bible, because the Bible tells us how he (the Messiah) will die. Read Psalm 22 and compare it to today’s reading and it will leave
you baffled! You will see and know that this was laid out long in advance before the crucifixion. We are talking about roughly 1,000 years in advance. I challenge you to read Psalm 22 which begins with some of the very words spoken by Christ
on the cross. Truly you are the Son of God.
I pray: O Lord, one thief confesses and receives heaven. I too confess that I am a sinner
and fall short and you promise me the kingdom of heaven. Thank you! Amen.