The Crucifixion
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.3.14
The Crucifixion
A few years after the start of his pubic ministry, the Roman authorities executed Jesus.
Crucifixion
- The form of Jesus' execution was by crucifixion.
- Crucifixion was an incredibly brutal form of execution.
- It involved tying, or nailing someone to a cross, and leaving them on public view until they died.
- Often crucified people died either of thirst or asphyxiation (suffocation).
Punishment
- Death from crucifixion could take days, but the Gospels say Jesus died with about 6 hours.
- This was probably because Jesus was weak from being punished beforehand:
- Jesus was scourged (whipped) repeatedly.
- Jesus was forced to carry his own cross to the place of crucifixion.
- Jesus was also made to wear a crown of thorns.
- After Jesus' death, his friends buried his body in a sealed tomb.
Why was Jesus executed?
- The official charge against Jesus was that he was a rebel leader who claimed to be a king.
- This would have been a challenge to the authority of Rome, and Romans were often quick to execute rebels.
- But, most Christians believe that Jesus had no intention to rebel against the authorities.
- The reasons for the execution are actually more complex than the accusation that Jesus was a rebel leader.
Religious reasons for Jesus' execution
- The greatest challenge Jesus presented was the radical nature of his teaching. These went against many of the teachings of the Jewish leadership of his time.
- Also, any suggestion that Jesus was the son of God was blasphemy – an offence against God.
- Blasphemy was a crime that often brought the death penalty in Jesus' time.
- For this reason, the religious authorities pushed for Jesus’ execution.
Political reasons for Jesus' execution
- From the point of view of the Romans, this religious conflict threatened to stir up trouble in the region.
- The Romans may not have been interested in the religious issues, but the conflict was dangerous to the peaceful and easy running of the region.
- To the Roman authorities, the death of one man was unimportant if it helped avoid bigger problems.
Test yourself on The Crucifixion
Why was Jesus' claim that he was the Son of God threatening to religious leaders?