Jesus Is Crucified between Insults and Failed Rescue Expectations

They nail up the King and dare him to save himself

They compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. They bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. They give him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he receives it not. When they have crucified him, they part his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. It was the third hour, and they crucified him. The superscription of his accusation is written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. With him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. The scripture is fulfilled, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

They that pass by rail on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking say among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. They that were crucified with him revile him. The charge on the wood is Roman. The killing is Roman. Insults come from passersby, leaders, and the other crucified men. The crucifixion does not authorize torture, execution, antisemitism, or glorifying state violence. Failed rescue expectations do not make his staying on the cross a weakness. He will not come down to satisfy a dare.