To understand the crucifixion of Jesus, it is absolutely necessary to realize he was executed as a political revolutionary. Crucifixion was reserved for two groups in the Roman Empire: disobedient slaves and political revolutionaries. (One may question this assertion by observing that Jesus was crucified between two “thieves.” However, the Greek word used in the Gospels is better translated “guerilla fighters” who, like all such warriors, were also bandits financing their rebellion with what they stole.) Pilate condemned Jesus to death on the charge of claiming to be king in a country where there was only one king (Caesar). Fixed above Jesus’ head on the cross was the capital charge against him: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).
Rome was very efficient in crucifying rebellious Jews. They crucified them by the thousands. Crucifixion was designed to cause the maximum amount of pain over the longest period of time. Each Roman legion had a detachment skilled in the art of torture and execution. Those crucifying Jesus knew exactly where to drive the spikes into his body in such a way as to target those nerves which, when pierced, would bring about the greatest amount of agony. All crucifixions were carried out in public places where bystanders and passersby could witness the suffering and humiliation of those condemned. The message was clear: “Don’t even think about crossing Rome. If you do, this will be your fate.”
But let’s look at Jesus’ crucifixion from the perspective of his executioners. All that these Roman soldiers knew was that this Jew named Jesus had been tried and found guilty of rebellion against Rome. In their minds, he was no different from the rebels crucified with him. Or possibly, he was even more despised since he claimed to be a king and, therefore, a leader of rebels. No doubt, some of these soldiers had lost friends in Rome’s struggle against Jewish rebels. Now was their chance for revenge.
Prior to crucifixion, the executioners were free to torture the condemned any way they wanted. We have references to such treatment of Jesus in the Gospels. We are also told that he was flogged with a whip in which pieces of metal, bone, and glass were embedded. Skin was flayed, muscles were ripped, and even bones and organs could be exposed by such a beating. Some people died from this particular type of flogging. Others went insane. Undergoing such a beating explains why Jesus could not carry the horizontal beam of the cross to Golgotha. He had already lost a lot of blood and was probably in shock. That’s also why he died after only six hours of crucifixion. Many victims lasted days before death mercifully took them. Even Pilate was surprised that Jesus died so quickly (Mark 15:44).
As Jesus’ tormentors abused his body in such horrible ways, we can imagine they assumed they were punishing and executing a man who, given the chance, would do them great harm. Perhaps in their minds, he might have been responsible for the deaths of some of their comrades. They had no idea who they were torturing and killing. Once we understand that dynamic, we can more fully appreciate Jesus’ words, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Literally, these Roman soldiers had no idea who this Jesus was they were cruelly murdering.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his sermon “Love in Action” said that often those who have caused some of the greatest suffering in the world and who are responsible for many of the tragedies which have afflicted humankind are not evil people; they are simply misguided and blind. He mentioned several examples in his sermon: Saul who persecuted the church believing he was doing God’s will; Crusaders and Inquisitors who sincerely thought they were ridding the world of Satan and his followers; patriots who are hoodwinked by wannabe demagogues into a frenzy of paranoia and violence; those who are convinced that only “might” can ultimately allow for “right” in our scary world. MLK even said that “Slavery in America was perpetuated not merely by human badness but also by human blindness.” Many people born good grew up in a culture where racism was condoned and even justified by religious malpractice and the most suspect interpretations of Scripture. And so, “They sincerely came to believe the Negro was inferior by nature and that slavery was ordained by God.” MLK recognized that “some men are segregationists merely for reasons of political expediency and economic gain.” However, he also realized that many good people were convinced that segregation was good for their families, their nation, and their faith. But all such people are spiritually blind and ignorant. “Millions of Negroes have been crucified by conscientious blindness. With Jesus on the cross, we must look lovingly at our oppressors and say, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know now what they do.’”
The last two sentences in the previous paragraph come from King’s sermon. Please take a moment to reflect on those two thoughts. How could anyone attain that degree of spiritual enlightenment and divine love? I am light years away from such maturity in Christ. But as I meditated on King’s words, I realized that in ways I may not even be aware of, I too am spiritually blind and ignorant. How much pain have I caused in this world because I did not know what I was doing? At what points do I need enlightening? Whom have I crucified by conscientious blindness? It’s so easy to see the ignorance and the stubborn refusal to repent (as in “change one’s mind” which is what the New Testament word for repentance means) in others, but perhaps exceedingly difficult to recognize our own perpetual blindness. I cannot help but wonder if perhaps I have something in common with those Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus.
There is more to be said on this subject, some of which I will include in part three of this series. But the more I allow Dr. King’s words to touch my heart and sear my conscience, the more I realize how far I have to go before I can even “touch the hem of his garment” of unconditional love and deep compassion.
(Quotes from Dr. King come from his book Strength to Love, pp. 35-39.)
