SUMMARY
JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More is led outside of the city and crucified.
ANALYSIS
Crucifixion was intended as a punishment that inflicted extreme pain, not only physically, but also psychologically. The physical side of the punishment is still obvious: nails were pounded through Jesus’ hands and feet and he was expected to die a slow death by asphyxiation. The psychological side may require more explanation. Crucifixion was intended to also shame Jesus publicly. He was paraded in front of his peers, taunted, and spit upon. The charge against him–“King of the Jews”–was also intended to mock him as the royal title contrasted with his degraded state. He died alongside two common criminals, reinforcing the ridiculousness of his claim to kingship. Even more shamefully, Jesus could not even carry his own cross, and so someone was forced to do it for him.
Mark includes several details in his crucifixion that allude to other parts of scripture. First of all, he mentions that Simon of Cyrene was the father of Alexander and Rufus. He probably mentioned them because they were known to his readers and it is possible that this is the same Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13. The soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothing, though a common practice, also alludes to PsalmA psalm is a song of praise. In the Old Testament 150 psalms comprise the psalter, although some of the psalms are laments and thanksgivings. In the New Testament early Christians gathered to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. More 22:18, a psalm that Jesus quotes at his own death. Finally, the chief priests admission that Jesus “saved others” as well as the crucifixion as a whole is reminiscent of the songs of the suffering servant in IsaiahIsaiah, son of Amoz, who prophesied in Jerusalem, is included among the prophets of the eighth century BCE (along with Amos, Hosea, and Micah)--preachers who boldly proclaimed God's word of judgment against the economic, social, and religious disorders of their time. More, especially Isaiah 50:6 “I offered my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting” and Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.”
