"The Price"

Topic: Cross

The Message of the Cross Crucifixion in the penal systems of the ancient world was an important method of capital punishment - particularly among the Persians, Seleocids, Jews, Carthaginian and Romans (up to the emperor Constantine I, who abolished it). There were various methods of performing the execution. Usually the condemned man, after being whipped dragged the crossbeam of his cross to the place of punishment.

Oftentimes, the beating alone was sufficient to kill most victims. The  prisoner was bent over, tied to a post while the Roman lector applied blow upon blow to the bared back with a lash intertwined with pieces 
of bone or steel so that the intestines hung out the lacerated flesh. Christ received the maximum of 39 stripes allotted by Jewish law.

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:4,5

The agony of the crucified victim was brought about by a number of factors. Although there were two distinctive methods of affixing a living victim to a cross, "tying or nailing," it is well documented that Christ underwent the horror of the latter. The second factor causing great suffering was the abnormal position of the body. The slightest movement was accompanied by hideous pain.

Recent medical studies indicate that the reason for Christ's death was Orthostatic Collapse. When the body is suspended by the hands, the blood rapidly sinks into the lower extremities of the body. Within six to twelve minutes, the blood pressure has dropped to 50% while the rate of the heart has doubled. Ultimate death by the cross was due to heart failure.

There is little doubt that Jesus received more abuse and more cruel treatment than the average crucifixion victim - perhaps more than any other. This is the price that was paid for you ... "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, and have the keys of hell and of death."
- Revelation 1:18. 

- Kelly Lynn Smith
(Submitted by: Kelly Lynn Smith)