Topical Encyclopedia
The event of Jesus being led away to be crucified is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Gospels, marking the culmination of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, each providing unique details that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the significance of this moment.
Context and BackgroundFollowing His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was subjected to a series of trials, first before the Jewish authorities and then before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Despite Pilate's initial reluctance to sentence Jesus to death, the pressure from the crowd and the Jewish leaders led to the decision to crucify Him. Pilate symbolically washed his hands, declaring himself innocent of Jesus' blood, yet he authorized the execution (
Matthew 27:24).
The Journey to GolgothaAfter the sentencing, Jesus was scourged, a brutal form of punishment that left Him severely weakened. The Roman soldiers mocked Him, placing a crown of thorns on His head and a purple robe on His shoulders, hailing Him as "King of the Jews" in derision (
John 19:2-3). Following this, Jesus was led out of the city to the place of crucifixion, known as Golgotha, meaning "Place of the Skull" (
Matthew 27:33).
The Synoptic Gospels note that Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross for Jesus, indicating the extent of His physical exhaustion (
Mark 15:21). This act of bearing the cross is symbolic of the call to discipleship that Jesus had previously taught, where He instructed His followers to take up their own crosses (
Matthew 16:24).
Fulfillment of ProphecyThe events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus are seen as the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies.
Isaiah 53:7 describes the suffering servant who is led like a lamb to the slaughter, and
Psalm 22 vividly portrays the suffering and mockery that Jesus endured. The Gospel writers frequently allude to these prophecies, underscoring the divine plan and purpose behind the crucifixion.
Theological SignificanceThe act of Jesus being led away to be crucified is not merely a historical event but holds profound theological significance. It represents the moment where Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly submits to the will of the Father, taking upon Himself the sins of humanity. This sacrificial act is central to Christian doctrine, as it provides the means for reconciliation between God and humankind.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus' crucifixion is portrayed as His glorification, a paradoxical moment where His apparent defeat is, in fact, the ultimate victory over sin and death (
John 12:23-24). The cross becomes the symbol of salvation, a testament to God's love and justice.
ConclusionThe journey of Jesus being led away to be crucified is a moment of profound sorrow and yet immense hope. It is a testament to the obedience and love of Christ, who endured suffering and shame for the redemption of the world. This event invites believers to reflect on the cost of their salvation and the depth of God's grace, calling them to live in response to the sacrificial love demonstrated on the cross.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 27:31-34And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
Nave's Topical IndexMark 15:20-23
And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
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Luke 23:26-32
And as they led him away, they laid hold on one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
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John 19:16,17
Then delivered he him therefore to them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Christ Crucified
... favorite demand for faith, saying "Let the Christ, the King ... the band of Barabbas,
one upon each side of Jesus. We know how this outrage led to the salvation of ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 21-32 christ crucified.htm
Christ Crucified.
... the painful crown and the mocking robe, is led out he ... 3. It seems clear to me that
Christ, anxious to ... priests hurried the trial and execution of Jesus so that ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified.htm
The Harmony of the Gospels.
... 273]193; accused by the chief priests, [274]194; sent to Herod, who mocks Him,
[275]194; crowned with thorns, [276]196; led away to be ... Jesus. See [348]Christ. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/the harmony of the gospels.htm
The Private Thoughts and Words of Jesus
... We never come so near to Jesus"at least, such is ... blood from the scourging, and about
to be led away to be ... We know not Christ till he putteth on his crimson ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the private thoughts and words.htm
The Two Covenants --In Christian Experience
... But they had been led away by Jewish teachers, and, though they ... day by day receiving
its strength from Christ alone; that in Jesus Christ nothing avails ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter v the two covenantsin.htm
Jesus Condemned to be Crucified.
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. ... he joined the archers in abusing and
insulting Jesus, who looked ... the true Paschal Lamb, who was being led to the ...
/.../chapter xxix jesus condemned to.htm
The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38
... Titus, and that unnumbered thousands were led as captives ... The followers of Christ
must be on their guard ... be overcome by the influences which Jesus described as ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/i the destruction of jerusalem.htm
The Knowledge of Jesus Christ the Best Knowledge
... do you determine not to follow, or be led by them ... determine not to know any thing,
save Jesus Christ, and him ... they be vanities, they shall fade away: but the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the knowledge of jesus christ.htm
Crucified, Dead and Buried
... him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out ... Let Christ the King of Israel
descend now from the cross ... And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm
John Chapter xix. 17-22.
... And they took Jesus," he says, "and led Him away ... such means become the less true
that Jesus said, "I ... heirs according to the promise." [1879] Christ therefore is ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxvii john chapter xix.htm
Resources
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