AGONY OF THE CROSS

Mental Agony

1. From the beginning Jesus knew how his public ministry would end (John 3:14–16).

2. Jesus predicted his crucifixion many times during his earthly ministry (Matt. 16:21, 24; 17:9;

20:18–19; 26:2, 28; John 8:28; 12:32–33).

3. Thoughts of being crucified troubled him but he was willing to accept God's plan for his life

(Matt. 16:22–23; 26:37–39; Luke 22:43–44; John 12:27; 18:11).

Physical Agony

1. sweat blood (haematidrosis) (Luke 22:43–44)

2. a slap in the face (rhapisma) (John 18:22–23)

3. beaten repeatedly (kolaphizo, dero, paio) (Matt. 26:65–68; Mark 14:65; Luke 22:63–64; 23:11)

4. scourged (Matt. 27:26; Mark 15:15; John 18:1)

5. crown of thorns (Matt. 27:27–30; Mark 15:16–19; John 19:2–3)

6. more slaps in the face (John 19:3)

7. nails in his hands and feet (Luke 24:39–40; John 20:25, 27)

8. hung on the cross for 6 hours, from 9 AM to 3 PM (comp. Mark 15:25 with Matt. 27:45–46;

Mark 15:33–34; Luke 23:44–45)

Spiritual Agony

1. It appears that Jesus bore the sins of mankind in darkness silently for three hours, from noon

to 3 PM (Matt. 27:45–50; Mark 15:33–37; Luke 23:44–46).

2. He who knew no sin was made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21).

3. For the first time in his life fellowship with God was broken (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34).

4. It's interesting to note that Jesus suffered spiritually when he was physically the weakest during his last three hours on earth.

2007-01-26T14:16:43