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Why Christians Remember the Crucifixion of Jesus

Communion

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified! So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” MATTHEW 27:15-25 ESV

It happened

Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. JOHN 19:20 ESV 

…but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:23 ESV

To refocus our priorities

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. MATTHEW 23:20 ESV

And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. MARK 15:27 ESV

The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” MATTHEW 27:21-23 ESV

When I allow myself to become emotionally driven, I will morally compromise.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes. PROVERBS 12:15 ESV

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. PHILIPPIANS 4:5 ESV

For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. MATTHEW 28:18 ESV

To help us embrace suffering

For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 1 PETER 2:19 ESV

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 2 TIMOTHY 1:8 ESV

It was necessary to set us free

Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” MATTHEW 27:21 ESV

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, f“We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. JOHN 8:31-35 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place and a time where you can best focus on God. Set aside your daily concerns and focus your mind and heart on God alone. When you are ready, begin your time by imagining the scene at the crucifixion of Jesus. Think about how unjust it was for a blameless man to be beaten and hung on a cross. Think also about how it was necessary so that you could be set free. As you consider that great sacrifice, what emotions do you begin to experience? Talk to God about those emotions. Take the time to express your thanks to him for loving you so deeply that he would go through such suffering on your behalf. In light of such a great sacrifice, consider how your life reflects his love and sacrifice. Ask God to help you discern if you have allowed yourself to lose focus on the things that are truly a priority in your life? Or, ask him if you have given in and compromised, following the mob mentality of the world? Perhaps you are facing a challenge that seems unfair. Have a conversation with God about these things and ask him to show you ways that you can be mindful of him as you endure your suffering for the Gospel. Ask him to give you an opportunity and the strength this week to be mindful of him as you suffer for the Gospel. Thank him for the help he will give you.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. In what specific ways does the Lord's Supper help you refocus spiritually in today's crazy times? What do you remember when you share in it, and what makes that special to you?
  3. Read Luke 24:44-46. Why do you think it is important for us as Jesus followers to stop and remember that the crucifixion of Jesus happened, and why it's important to you specifically?
  4. Read Matthew 27:21-23. In a world seemingly overrun with emotional overreaction, what specific things do you do to remain or become reasonable? What might you still need to do?
  5. Read 2 Timothy 1:8. In what specific ways can Jesus' crucifixion story help you endure the suffering you have gone through or are going through right now?
  6. Read John 8:31-35. As you think back and look at all of the things that Jesus has freed you from and blessed you with, which things do you find yourself being most thankful for and why?