STATION IX // JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS

Luke 23:32-34
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Reflection
Crucifixion is a process of brutality designed to inflict the most pain on the person - body, mind, & soul - for as long as possible. It was intended to drive fear & submission in any who saw it take place. The modern term excruciating means "out of the cross." After the whipping and mocking, a large, thick nail would be hammered through the lower palm and driven into the wood of the cross. Then, another nail in the other palm. A final nail would  rip through both feet flattened against the wooden beam. He was then hoisted up in the air for all to see.
Surrounded with guilty criminals, an angry crowd, & violent soldiers, the One who is kind & compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, & who forgives iniquity & sin is broken & His blood is poured out.
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