"I know that youa re looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said." Matthew 28:5-6
MAIN POINTS: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
In chapter 53, Isaiah vividly portrays the suffering of Jesus Christ. The climax of Christ's suffering was His crucifixion, when He was "led as a lamb to the slaughter" (53:7). Medical experts who have studied crucifixion report that it was designed to maximize the victim's pain.
I man who was to be crucified was usually exhausted from mistreatment by the time he reached the site of the execution. After the victim was placed on the planks of wood that formed the cross, heavy nails were driven through his wrists in a way that allowed his arms some flexibility and movement.
His feet were then crossed and a nail was driven through his arches. When the cross was raised up and dropped into place, the weight of his body on the spikes caused excruciating, fiery pain to shoot through his upper body. If he attempted to ease his pain by pushing upward on his feet, the agony shifted to his lower body.
Eventually the arms tired, and throbbing cramps developed in his muscles. These made it increasingly difficult to breathe, resulting in a buildup of carbon dioxide in the lungs and bloodstream. In a way, this was a blessing because it dulled the cramps somewhat, enabling him to push himself upward again for breaths of air.
This cycle of agonizing cramps and partial asphyxiation went on for hours. The rough wood of the cross rubbing against the man's back tore away tissue. The chest cavity started to fill with serum and began to press on the heart, causing the organ to struggle to pump ever-thickening blood through the body. Shock and chill of death began to set in. Finally, the condemned man gave in and welcomed death as an end to his suffering.
Deuteronomy 16:3 – "...the bread of affliction..."
1 Corinthians 11:23-31 – "...A man ought to examine himself..."
Doctine #7
We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary for salvation.
