Outline

 

I. Introduction

* A. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a pivotal event.

* B. Focus on mockery and embarrassing aspects.

* C. Aim of the report: Analyze mocking actions and inherent shame.

II. The Roman Context of Crucifixion

* A. Crucifixion as a Roman method of capital punishment.

* B. Reserved for slaves, rebels, and enemies of the state.

* C. Purpose: Public shame, humiliation, and deterrence.

* D. Social stigma attached to crucifixion.

* E. Common practices amplifying shame:

* 1. Stripping naked.

* 2. Public display in prominent locations.

III. Mocking Actions by Roman Soldiers in the Praetorium

* A. Setting: After condemnation by Pontius Pilate.

* B. Placement of a crown of thorns:

* 1. Parody of a royal crown.

* 2. Mocking Jesus' claim to kingship.

* 3. Physical pain from the thorns.

* C. Dressing in a purple or scarlet robe:

* 1. Color associated with royalty.

* 2. Creating a farcical image of a king.

* D. Placing a reed in his hand:

* 1. Mimicking a royal scepter.

* 2. Underscoring the perceived lack of power.

* 3. Used to strike Jesus on the head.

* E. Mock salutations and kneeling:

* 1. Formal greeting "Hail, King of the Jews!".

* 2. Ironic gesture of false homage.

* F. Spitting on Jesus:

* 1. Profound sign of contempt.

* G. Striking Jesus on the head:

* 1. Physical abuse and degradation.

IV. Continued Mockery During Crucifixion

* A. Insults from passersby:about the temple.

* 3. Amplifying shame and perception of false

* 1. Shaking heads and challenging him to save himself.

* 2. Referencing his claim.

 

* B. Mockery by chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders:

* 1. Questioning his ability to save himself.

* 2. Demanding proof of Messiahship by coming down from the cross.

* 3. Undermining his legitimacy in the eyes of the Jewish people.

* C. Mockery by Roman soldiers:

* 1. Offering sour wine.

* 2. Taunting him to save himself if he was the King of the Jews.

* 3. Highlighting continued contempt.

* D. Mockery by crucified criminals:

* 1. Initially joining in the insults.

* 2. Contrast with the later repentance of one criminal (Gospel of Luke).

V. The Inscription on the Cross

* A. "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews".

* B. Intended by Pontius Pilate as a statement of the charge.

* C. Possibly mocking Jewish aspirations.

* D. Written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek for broad understanding.

* E. Objection by chief priests to the wording.

* F. Pilate's refusal to change it.

* G. Ironically served as a public declaration of Jesus' claimed identity.

VI. Inherently Embarrassing Aspects of Crucifixion

* A. Public nakedness:

* 1. Profound shame in a society valuing modesty.

* 2. Utter vulnerability.

* B. Slow and agonizing death:

* 1. Physical torments of being nailed and hanging.

* 2. Prolonged public suffering.

* C. Public spectacle:

* 1. Intentional staging to deter others.

* 2. Crucifixion at Golgotha, a public location.

* 3. Wide witnessing of suffering and humiliation.

* D. Association with criminals and slaves:

* 1. Execution alongside common criminals.

* 2. Diminished perceived status.

* 3. Added degradation.

* E. Potential loss of bodily control:

* 1. Extreme physical trauma.

* 2. Ultimate source of embarrassment.

Scripture

 Luke 23

33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 

 

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 

 

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 

 

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 

 

37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 

 

38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 

 

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 

 

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 

 

41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 

 

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” 

 

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

 

The Death of Jesus

44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 

 

45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 

 

46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. 

 

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 

 

48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.

49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.