Why Did Jesus Say What He Said on the Cross?
Understanding Christ's Passion by Delving Into the Old Testament
Easter is the time when Christians celebrate the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
The crucifixion is believed to have taken place just prior to the Jewish feast of Passover. Passover celebrates the last of the 10 plagues that were meted out on the Egyptians — the death of the first born of each household. This plague afflicted even the royal household, finally convincing Pharoah to allow the Jewish people to leave Egypt.
In order that this plague would "pass over" the jews, they were told to sacrifice a lamb, and paint its blood on the doorposts of their houses. "The Angel of Death" would see this sign and those inside would be safe.
The sacrificial lamb of Passover is interpreted as a symbol of the sacrifice that Christ makes in order to give his followers eternal life. So while this much is clear, many still find certain aspects of the crucifixion quite puzzling.
Why Did Christ Die So Quickly?
Christ's crucifixion took place before Passover began. Since contact with the dead would render one unclean, it was necessary to make sure that executions were finished well before nightfall.
One of the remarkable things about Christ's passion is that he died so quickly. He was in the prime of life, and despite the harsh treatment he received before the crucifixion, he should have taken much longer to die. This is why it was unnecessary to break his legs - although this was done to those who were crucified with him in order to hasten their death.
"Eloi Eloi Lama Sabachthani"
"Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani " can be translated as "Father, Father, why have you forsaken me?"
Amongst the things that Jesus said on the cross, this is perhaps the most puzzling. It sounds as if Jesus is feeling let down, forsaken or betrayed by God whom he trusted. A novice in Bible Study might feel justified in questioning the whole thing, as it sounds like Jesus became disillusioned when he wasn't rescued.
Explanation of Jesus' Words Found in the Old Testament
The answer to this conundrum is to be found in the Old Testament. Psalm 22 begins with the words "Father, Father, why have you forsaken me?" This Psalm was written by King David, who reigned for 40 years from 1060 BC. Psalm 22 is believed by many Christians to be prophetic of the death of Jesus upon the cross, approximately 1090 years later.
It describes somebody who is beset by enemies and is suffering greatly. "They pierced my hands and feet ..... They part my garments amongst them and cast lots upon my clothing". Both of these verses are prophetic of the crucifixion and the casting of lots for Jesus' garments.
It Speaks of the Future Messiah
It then becomes a hymn of praise to a future saviour. The verse, "All they that go down to the dust shall bow before him," can be interpreted that all those who die in the flesh will, in spirit, be judged by him (The Christ). Another verse says, "They shall come and declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he (Christ) hath done this."
In the time of Jesus, all of the scholars of Judaism would have been familiar with this Psalm. By quoting the first line of Psalm 22, all of those who heard it would have realised that he was referring to the prophecies it contained. Again, Jesus was stating categorically that he was that Messiah.
In What Year Did The Crucifixion Take Place?
To answer this question one needs to examine historical facts. Caiaphas, the High Priest who condemned Jesus was in office AD 18-37. Pontius Pilate, prefect of Judea ruled AD 26 - 36 and Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee held office 4 BC to AD 39. Using this and astronomical data it has been concluded that Jesus' trial must have occurred between AD 26 and AD 36.
Sources:
- The Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy , J.Barton Payne (Harper Row).
- Oremus Online Bible
Jesus on the Cross
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