Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24
In a burial cave north of Jerusalem, an ossuary (bone box) was found which included the remains of a heel bone with an iron nail through it, indicating the deceased has been crucified. Crucifixion was a horrible way to die. The Romans perfected this torturous method of execution. While we look today for more humane ways to execute someone, the Romans sought to make it more painful and humiliating. The message was clear to anyone passing by: don’t end up like this. Crucifixions took place on busy roads outside city gates for maximum efficacy.
This Good Friday as we remember the crucifixion of Jesus, let us reflect on how he willingly went to the cross because of his love for us. May we never forget what our salvation cost.
