The doctrine of the Crucifixion is a central tenet of Christianity, which holds that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified on a cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This event is described in all four Gospels of the New Testament.
The doctrine of the Crucifixion: Jesus was crucified on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins.
New Testament
In the Gospel of Matthew, the Crucifixion is described in chapter 27. Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, who ultimately orders his crucifixion (Matthew 27:1-26). The processional to the site of crucifixion, known as Golgotha or Calvary, is described in verses 27-31, where Jesus is mocked and forced to carry his own cross. The Crucifixion itself is detailed in verses 32-44, with Jesus being nailed to the cross, and the soldiers casting lots for his garments. The Gospel also records Jesus’ final words and the events surrounding his death, including the darkness that fell upon the land and the rending of the temple veil (Matthew 27:45-56).
The Gospel of Mark provides a similar account of the Crucifixion in chapter 15. Jesus is condemned by Pilate and subsequently mocked and beaten by the Roman soldiers (Mark 15:1-20). The Crucifixion is described in verses 21-32, with Jesus being led to Golgotha and nailed to the cross between two criminals. The Gospel records Jesus’ final words and the events surrounding his death, including the darkness and the tearing of the temple veil (Mark 15:33-41).
The Gospel of Luke also offers an account of the Crucifixion in chapter 23. Jesus is brought before Pilate, who ultimately orders his crucifixion (Luke 23:1-25). The processional to Golgotha is described in verses 26-32, with Jesus addressing the women who mourn for him. The Crucifixion is detailed in verses 33-43, with Jesus being nailed to the cross and the soldiers casting lots for his garments. The Gospel records Jesus’ final words and the events surrounding his death, including the darkness and the centurion’s confession of Jesus’ innocence (Luke 23:44-49).
The Gospel of John provides a unique perspective on the Crucifixion in chapter 19. Jesus is brought before Pilate, who ultimately orders his crucifixion (John 19:1-16). The processional to Golgotha is described in verses 17-22, with Jesus carrying his own cross. The Crucifixion is detailed in verses 23-30, with Jesus being nailed to the cross and the soldiers casting lots for his garments. The Gospel records Jesus’ final words and the events surrounding his death, including the piercing of his side and the gathering of his followers (John 19:31-42).
These accounts of the Crucifixion in the Gospels form the basis of the Christian doctrine, which teaches that Jesus’ death on the cross was a sacrificial offering for the forgiveness of human sins. This act of redemption is central to the belief that Jesus, as the Son of God, offered himself as a sacrifice to reconcile humanity with God and secure eternal salvation for believers.
Old Testament
While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention the crucifixion of Jesus, there are several passages that Christians have traditionally interpreted as prophetic references to the event. Here are a few examples:
- Isaiah 53:5-6: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
This passage from the Book of Isaiah is often interpreted as a prophetic description of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion. The text speaks of a servant who is wounded and bruised for the transgressions and iniquities of others, bearing the punishment for their sins.
- Psalm 22:1, 7-8, 14-18: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? … All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. … I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
This Psalm, traditionally attributed to King David, contains several verses that have been interpreted as prophetic references to Jesus’ crucifixion. The verses describe a figure who is forsaken, mocked, and pierced in the hands and feet, with his garments being divided and lots cast for his clothing.
- Zechariah 12:10, 13:7: “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. … Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.”
These passages from the Book of Zechariah have also been interpreted as prophetic references to Jesus’ crucifixion. The text speaks of a figure who is pierced and mourned for, as well as a shepherd who is struck, causing the sheep to scatter.
While these Old Testament passages do not explicitly mention the crucifixion of Jesus, they have been interpreted by Christians throughout history as prophetic foreshadowing of the event.
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