The Crucifixion: Matthew 27:33-37
“33) And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, 34) they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. 35) And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. 36) And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. 37) And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”” Matthew 27:33-37
The story of the crucifixion is tragic, but it takes on rapid fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies over which Jesus had no direct input. For example, Matthew 27:34 says; “and they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall…” Psalm 69:21 says; “They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” Jesus had no control over the menu.
Verse 35 is also significant. When they crucified Him, they divided up His garments, casting lots among themselves. Psalm 22:18 says; “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” Again, this was a prophecy the soldiers fulfilled with no input from Jesus.
As to the charge against Him; “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS”; there is no specific prophecy about the sign, but many see a connection to Psalm chapter two as a whole. This Psalm pictures the band of evil doers and earthly kings against the Son of God.
I must emphasize, that Jesus was not crucified for any crime He had committed, but rather for who He claimed to be. He was indeed the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. And it all happened during the Passover.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
