Chapter 18: It Is Finished
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When Jesus, therefore, had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished. And he bowed his head and gave up the ghost. John 19.30 Thank you, Jesus, for carrying your cross up the hill. When my moment comes, I will be like Simon, and I will take the weight of your cross upon my life until I complete my mission here on earth. Reflecting on the most holy of moments,

Like Jesus, I give my life to you, God, as a living sacrifice. May you use my life to bring your name glory as long as I am breathing. In the same way that Jesus brought hope to the thief on the cross in the midst of his pain, so too will I bring hope to others, even when I feel the burden of life's challenges. I will remember that the greatest act of devotion to you, God,

is to bring people into the knowledge of your saving grace and forgiveness. Through your death and burial, Jesus, you put into action the greatest chess play in all the cosmos. Through your death and burial, you have given us the ultimate checkmate over Satan and his plans. The best is yet to come. In Jesus' name, amen.

Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told from Pray.com's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. Hi, I'm Dr. Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in the Bible, Jesus. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please share it with your family and friends so they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way, because knowing Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible.

Welcome to the greatest story ever told. It is a story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness. This is a story that continues to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God right into the hearts of you and me. This is the episode we have been teasing since the beginning. Our hero is ready to face the enemy and a cosmic war is about to be waged.

There could be no real storytelling that will do this event justice. How can one truly capture the most extraordinary event in human history? My prayer for you is that this episode stirs your heart to understand the passion of Christ. As you listen to the beatings, the whips, the marching up the hill, and the crucifixion, understand that Jesus would have done it all just for you. If nobody else needed saving but you, he would have done it all.

You are the reason he joyfully endured pain, suffering, and separation. Jesus' act on the cross was the bride price to buy you back from sin and death. This episode will begin with a prelude, a story captured from another time and space. The story of David and Goliath is renowned throughout the world as an underdog story, but that's the wrong way to look at it. David's victory over Goliath wasn't an upset or a surprise. It was an image.

David was a foreshadowing image of Christ, the ultimate hero, slaying the ultimate enemy, death. Let's not wait any longer. Here is the episode we've all been waiting for. Episode 18. It is finished. Every sandwich has bread. Every burger has a bun. But these warm, golden, smooth steamed buns? These are special. Reserved for the very best. The Filet-O-Fish and you.

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Brought to you by State Farm. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prelude to chapter 18. The giant's steps shook the earth as he approached the small shepherd boy. Israel had refused to provide a true warrior, so a small boy from Bethlehem stood before the giant with only a sling and staff. The giant mocked him and his god. David pointed his staff to Goliath and raised his voice,

Today the Lord will deliver you into my hand. The giant laughed and ran towards the boy with fury. He was the greatest warrior the world had ever seen. His legs were like tree trunks and his fists were like stones. David planted his feet and gazed at the enemy before him. He breathed in deeply and drew a stone from his pouch. Calmly, David put the stone in his sling and began to swing it behind him.

Goliath was a formidable opponent. No one expected a small boy from Bethlehem to stand a chance. However, God was at work to put his plan on display. God would use a shepherd from Bethlehem to topple the very embodiment of evil. His sling swung in place behind him as Goliath narrowed the gap between them. The giant swung his sword back and launched himself at David. David swung his hips and released the stone into the air.

It released with precision, whistling through the air towards Goliath. The stone sank deep into Goliath's skull and the giant toppled over and died. The earth quaked as his body fell to the ground. David ran toward the Philistine, took his sword from his hand and drove it straight through his neck. He held the head of Goliath in his hand. For all the Philistines to see, he made a mockery of him. This would be a foreshadowing of a hero to come.

One day, a figure from Bethlehem would emerge. He would be unsuspecting, yet behind him would be the might of God. He would conquer a greater enemy than Goliath and free the entire earth from its bondage. However, while David was able to leave the battle unscathed, this new hero would have to pay the ultimate price. Chapter 18. It is finished.

So, they tell me you call yourself King of the Jews. Is this true? Pilate asked, while pouring himself a cup of wine. He sat back in his seat, gesturing to Jesus. Pontius Pilate was reigning governor in the region of Judea. He was the representation of Caesar and a living monument to his cruel reign. Are you, as they say, are you King of the Jews? He asked again with a slight grin.

Jesus had been brought to Pilate by the religious leaders. Since they could not kill him, they desired Rome to execute him. Pilate rolled his eyes at the petty religious squabbles of the Jews. He found them irksome and not worth his time. Jesus' face was swollen from the beating the night before. Bound with chains around his wrists, Jesus responded, saying, "Are you asking on your own account or because of what others have been saying?"

Pilate scoffed. Do I look like a Jew to you? Your own people have brought you here. They must hate you a great deal for it to come to this. So do not waste my time. Answer my question. What have you done to be here? Do you call yourself king of the Jews? Jesus' face was impassive and resolute. My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would have fought and I would not be bound in chains. However, my kingdom is not from here.

It is not of this world. Pilate tilted his head in slight confusion. Was he speaking to a madman? From everything he had heard about Jesus, he heard nothing about him being insane. Pilate leaned forward. So, you are a king then? It is as you say. Jesus answered. It is for this purpose I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth and all who are of the truth hear my voice. Pilate scoffed and looked out

He shook his head, lost in thought for a moment. "Truth!" Pilate exclaimed. He stood up and walked to the window overlooking the palace courtyard. It was midday, and a large group of people were gathering to see what would happen to Jesus. "What is truth?" Pilate looked at Jesus. He saw no fault in him. He took Jesus outside where the Jews were waiting. "This man is guilty of nothing," Pilate said. The men outside were indignant.

He has stirred up the people for a rebellion, they yelled. People follow him from Galilee to Jerusalem. Do you want an uprising on your hands? Pilate paused and looked at Jesus. There was nothing outwardly remarkable. How could this man procure so many loyal followers? Galilee, you say? Pilate asked. Now that is certainly under Herod's jurisdiction. Take him to Herod. He is here in Jerusalem.

I want nothing more to do with this. So the temple guard took him away to the estate where Herod was staying. Jesus entered the lavish estate. Fountains carved by Greeks decorated the courtyard gardens. He was led into the living area where Herod was lounging in a room filled with decadence. He was surrounded by women and gorging himself on fine wines and meats. When he saw Jesus approaching in chains, he stood up and apologized.

"Ah, Jesus of Nazareth! They told me you were coming." Herod drunkenly stumbled towards Jesus. He leaned in close, slurring his words as he said, "The miracle worker has come to see me? What an honor!" The king was drunk, but still dangerous. He was a man who knew no boundaries. He had already displayed his great cruelty by killing off children many years before.

Little did he know, the infant king he was seeking to kill stood before him in chains. "Well now, Jesus, I believe I can be a great help to you. If you are who they say you are, why don't you perform a miracle for me?" Herod asked. "Cause my cup to fill again with wine? Set one of my servants on fire? Show me a sign!" The mad king laughed at Jesus.

He gestured to his soldiers to come forth. They poked and prodded Jesus to perform a miracle, but he did not move. His face was impassive and resolute. He remained silent as they mocked him. They dressed him in royal robes and danced around him. Although they made a mockery of him, Jesus was immovable. After he had had his fun, Herod sent Jesus back to Pontius Pilate. Pilate watched as he was brought back into his quarters.

Pilate sat at his desk and rubbed his temples. He was amazed that a man as harmless as this required so much attention. You know, I think you are innocent, Pilate said. However, there is a peace to keep with these Jews. I cannot simply let it go. They are calling for your head. Let us see if a flogging will satisfy them. So Pilate sent Jesus out with his soldiers to be flogged. After being beaten, they led him back to Pilate.

The Roman governor looked at Jesus. His face was swollen and his beard had been stripped from his face. Pilate winced at the sight. They are waiting for you outside, Pilate said to Jesus. They are calling for blood and it seems that they may already have it. Pray to your God that the crowd spares you. Pilate then took Jesus and led him out onto the balcony overlooking the courtyard. Thousands of people had gathered.

Every Passover, Pilate would release one prisoner at the request of the people. Already out there was a man named Barabbas. He was a terrorist, traitor, and a known murderer. Yet it was not his name that the people chanted. The people were thirsty for the blood of Jesus. Pilate gestured to the beaten figure next to him. "Behold your king!" he yelled. The whole crowd erupted in curses. Jesus peered out into the group.

many of them he had seen laying palm fronds out for his arrival. How fickle the hearts of men are! The priests were among the crowd, riling them up to shout, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate watched as the entire throng of people called out for the murder of Jesus. It was a deep evil that had come forth like a rising tide. It sent shivers down Pilate's spine.

If he is this guilty, then why don't you kill him yourselves? I find no guilt in this man, Pilate shouted. Yet the Jews were indignant. We have laws, they shouted. According to our law, he must be put to death for claiming to be God. Pilate's eyes darted towards Jesus. He grabbed him by the arm and escorted him back into the room.

Pilate paced the room. "Do you hear them?" he asked. "That crowd will not be appeased unless I do something. Now you must tell me where you are really from." Pilate sought to help Jesus. However, he was silent. He did not open his mouth, nor did he look Pilate in the eye. Jesus' trembling body pointed north, towards the hills. Pilate put his hand on his head and gasped. "Unbelievable!

Here you have a man with authority to release you, and you answer with silence. Do you not know that I have the power to crucify you? Jesus finally looked up. His eyes were intensely locked in, despite the pain. You have no authority over me, Jesus said. All power you think you have has been given to you. Yet do not be troubled. Those who shout out there have the greatest sin. Pilate sighed. His wife had warned him of this.

She had a dream about Jesus and knew that he was now caught up in something far greater than himself. Pilate brought Jesus before the crowd again. He looked pointed and then to Barabbas. He gestured to the two of them and shouted to the crowd, Who shall I free? Shall it be Barabbas, the murderer and terrorist, or Jesus, king of the Jews? The Pharisees slithered through the crowds, whispering the name of Barabbas.

A unanimous name cried out to be released. Barabbas! they yelled. Free Barabbas! they chanted. Pilate looked at Jesus. His heart was pounding in his chest. He knew something had been set in motion, something dark. Pilate raised his hands to silence the crowd. When they were silent, he spoke, saying, Shall I truly crucify your king? he asked.

We have no king but Caesar, they chanted. And if you do not kill him, you are no friend of Caesar. Just days prior, a crowd rallied to make Jesus king. Yet now there was a throng of people violently decrying him and calling out for his death. Jesus looked upon the faces of hatred. Their hearts were calloused and deceived. Jesus did not judge them. He did not come to judge the world, but to save it. Pilate shook his head.

The religious zeal of the Pharisees had stirred up the crowd to an unmanageable degree. He spread out his arms. This is your doing, not mine. I wash my hands clean of this man's blood. He had a servant gather a basin of water and washed his hands. He turned to Jesus. I am sorry. And with that final word, Jesus was thrown at the soldiers to be crucified. Jesus was led through the sea of people. The cries for blood were animalistic and wicked.

Satan slithered through the crowd. He was reveling in their hatred, stirring them up. Jesus kept his gaze forward through the gauntlet of people spitting on him and throwing stones in his way. He said nothing. The Son of God was escorted into the public square. Dozens of religious leaders followed and took their places to watch the flogging ensue. In the crowd stood John, accompanied by Mary, Jesus' mother.

They watched helplessly as Jesus was bound to a wooden beam sticking out of the cobblestone floor. The stone floor had been stained red in the middle with the beam stuck out. It was an ominous sight. The rope was tied around Jesus' wrists and the stone was cold on his knees. A band of soldiers laughed behind Jesus, toying with the different objects of torture. Jesus looked to heaven. Now it had truly begun.

Three soldiers approached Jesus with his back turned. In their hands were cats of nine tails, long whips with nine strands. Attached to the tips were shards of glass, bone, steel and fishhooks. The whips rattled as they dangled from the soldiers' hands. The Romans were masters of torture. Ancient Egyptians had created such practices of scourging, but the Romans had perfected it as an art form.

Jesus breathed in deeply and looked at the skies. The storm swirled above. He was ready. Jesus rolled his shoulders back, calmed his breathing. The first soldier shifted his hips back and raised the whip high in the air like a bolt of lightning. The nine strands met their target on Jesus' back. The glass and hooks dug deep into his skin. Then, with a jolt of the soldier's arm, it was ripped out. Jesus gasped at the pain, yet he did not scream.

He looked forward, ready for the next blow. The next soldier swung his arm back and leaned into his swing. The nine tails wrapped around Jesus' ribs, tearing through the flesh on his side. Blood spurted out onto the stone below, and Jesus' eyes rolled back in pain. John held Mary, shielding her from the sight. The third soldier got a running start and swung downwards towards Jesus' hamstring. The claws dug in deep and gashed his entire leg.

Each soldier had his turn scourging Jesus. With each swing and pull, more flesh was ripped away from his back and sides. Blood flowed down the cobblestone floor like a river. After Jesus' back had been torn to shreds, the soldiers took thick branches and struck his head. Still bound to the wooden beam, there was no way for Jesus to shield himself from the quick blows of the Roman soldiers. They toyed with him and spat in his face.

Ah, it is the king of the Jews! One of them sang as he bowed before Jesus' mangled body. All hail! Another yelled before striking his forehead against the beam. The crowd laughed at the spectacle. Jesus peered up to see the Pharisees scowling in the corner. This is what they had wanted. They wanted him to suffer. Every king needs a crown! Another soldier exclaimed. So they formed a crown of thorns.

He placed it onto Jesus' head. Every sandwich has bread. Every burger has a bun. But these warm, golden, smooth steamed buns? These are special. Reserved for the very best. The Filet-O-Fish. And you. You can have them too.

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In everything you wear, wear Boston Proper. Sign up for VIP access and enjoy 20% off. Shop at bostonproper.com and wear it like no one else. The thorns were thick and sharp. They did not fit onto his head, so they took turns hammering the thorns into his temples to make it stay. In everything, Jesus was silent, like a lamb led to the slaughter. He did not open his mouth, for he saw the purpose before him.

No pain would keep him from the task at hand. The skin on Jesus' back was reduced to ribbons. They hung from his body like loose leaves ready to fall. The soldiers continued in their mockery and clothed him with a robe of purple. They bowed, laughing at the quivering Jew lying on the beam. Jesus lay there, barely able to breathe. The pain had gone beyond comprehension. He raised his head towards the hills in the distance.

He knew that his present pain was not comparable to the glory awaiting him. Death had beckoned him for a fight. It would not win. He thought of his disciples, the sick he had healed and the poor he had preached to. They were his sheep, the people he was called to redeem. The words of Isaiah echoed from ancient days. They prophesied of this very moment, saying,

Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrow. We considered him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. Yet even so, he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. Upon him was the punishment that brought us peace. And by his wounds are healed. With the full might of God's Spirit behind him, Jesus rose to his feet. His knees trembled and his whole body shivered.

Yet he stood tall, still tied to the wooden beam. The soldiers glared. Usually by now their victims had been unconscious or dead. Yet Jesus stood, ready to receive more. Out of fury they continued their onslaught of whips until his body was torn. Each blow, each whip, and each scar meant more freedom for the children of God. So the Son of God stood.

He stood at the bloodied wooden post with splinters in his forearms. The skin on his back was held together only by the purple robe draped over him. Blood dripped from his body onto the stone floor. The scourging was over, but the worst was yet to come. The thunder boomed from the heavens as Jesus was unbound and thrown onto the ground. A few of his followers watched in panic as Jesus lay still on the red-stained stone.

Mary's heart stopped beating for a moment until she saw Jesus raise himself to his knees. The soldiers picked him up and dragged him to the edge of the city. Thousands of people followed. Some were cheering, others were weeping. They brought Jesus to the wooden cross laying at the floor at the base of the hill. Jesus looked up. He was there. Golgotha, the place of the skull, Calvary. The storm began to rage and form at the top of the hill.

Death was awaiting Jesus. It called to him with the fury of Goliath. Jesus directed his gaze downward. The cross was over 100 pounds of splintered wood. The soldiers gestured for Jesus to lift it onto his shoulders. With whips at his heels and insults in his ears, Jesus lifted the cross onto his back and marched towards his adversary. The wind was howling against Jesus as he walked forward.

A trail of blood followed his every step. "Faster!" the soldiers yelled, whipping at his legs. Jesus fell to his knees. The cold wind pierced his exposed flesh. Jesus closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and stood to his feet again. Jesus took a step forward onto a large stone. His ankle cracked and Jesus fell forward with a cross on top of him. Its weight crushed his chest and choked his breath.

The soldiers grunted and lifted the cross off him. Then they beckoned to a man from Cyrene. Simon was his name, and he was charged by the men to carry Jesus' cross. He marched behind Jesus as he limped up the hill. The thunder shook the skies, and the heavens burst forth flashes of lightning. The soldiers rode their horses against the wind, but the Son of God marched on foot.

The cup of God's wrath was being prepared to pour out on Jesus. The peak of Golgotha revealed itself as they hiked. It was an ominous sight. It was a place where many had been crucified before. Two thieves hung on crosses already. There was no shelter from the wind on the top of that hill. It was as if nature itself was raging against the people.

The crowd covered themselves, continuing to weep, shout, cry and mock. Jesus scanned the multitude. It had not been long since he once fed them loaves and fish. Jesus closed his eyes and prayed to the Father. As he did this, a soldier kicked him to the floor. They bound him with rope, stretching his arms outward to reach the ends of the cross. They took large metal stakes and placed them on his wrists and feet.

Huh?

The men lifted the cross high into the air and allowed the bottom to sink into a hole carved into the ground. Jesus, the one by whom all things were created, hung on a cursed tree between two thieves. A few of the Pharisees sat there below, delighting in his pain. The people stood by, throwing food and stones towards him. The priests looked up and scoffed.

"He saved others, let him save himself!" they shouted. "If he is the Christ and the chosen one, why doesn't he call down angels to save him?" The soldiers also mocked him. On the cross they carved in "King of the Jews." One of the soldiers poked Jesus with the blunt end of his spear. "Come now, your majesty, save yourself!" They laughed and spat in his direction.

Lightning flashed in the distance, lighting up the skies. Jesus looked down at them. Crucifixion was a slow and painful death. The position of his arms and legs made it nearly impossible to breathe. If Jesus desired to take a breath, he needed to push up on the nails in his feet and pull from the nails in his hands. Every breath was a precious and painful gift. With those breaths, he prayed for the people below. Forgive them.

They do not know what they are doing, he prayed. If Jesus desired, with a single breath, he could redirect the storm to strike every one of them down. However, their mockery only proved their deep need to be saved. With every insult hurled Jesus' way, his will to conquer sin grew stronger. The thief on his right chimed in with a goading. Aren't you the Christ? the man yelled. Why don't you strike them down and save us?

The thief on the left had his eyes closed. He was near death and could barely hold his head up. "Have you no fear?" the man mumbled in response. "We are hanging here because we deserve it. This man hangs innocent." The thief turned his head to Jesus. His eyes were weary. He only had a few moments left. "Jesus, my Lord, please." He began coughing up blood, then looked Jesus deep in the eyes.

Tears of regret streamed down his face. He looked at Jesus like a frightened child. "Will you remember me when you enter your kingdom?" Jesus looked at the man with compassion. Although his face was mangled, bloody, and swollen, he managed to smile. "Yes, my child," Jesus whispered. "Today you will be with me in paradise." The thief smiled and closed his eyes. Jesus then turned to the foot of the cross.

Jesus' mother was bowed before him. Her cries were inconsolable. She looked at Jesus not just as a crucified king or a sacrificial lamb. She saw him as her baby, the same child she swaddled in the manger. She ran towards the cross to touch her son. She wanted to hold him and comfort him, but the soldiers stopped her and threw her to the ground. John was there and ran to Mary. Jesus stared where he hung. He looked to Mary and John.

He cried out in pain as he lifted his chest to breathe. He cried to his mother and beloved disciple. John was precious to Jesus. Gesturing to John, he said, "Mother, behold your son." Then, gesturing to Mary, he said, "Son, behold your mother." John nodded and lifted Mary to her feet and took her home. Jesus' first miracle was a favor for his mother.

And now, as he hung on a cross, ready to bear the weight of all mankind's sins, he made sure his mother was taken care of. Hours had passed, and the thundering skies bellowed like war drums. Death itself was raging like a wild animal. Its claws were sinking deeper into the neck of God's chosen hero. Jesus knew the hour had come. It was time for the full weight of God's wrath to be poured out onto him.

Every sin, past, present, and future, required punishment. So Jesus looked up to heaven, and the mighty judgment of Yahweh struck down like a bolt of lightning. In that very moment, the entire sins of humanity were released onto Jesus. He who knew no sin became sin, all so mankind could be reconciled to God once more.

He wore the dirtiness of humanity so they might wear his righteousness. Jesus screamed to the heavens and cried out, "Eli! Eli! Lamas tabachthani!" which means, "My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?" People laughed at his cries, but they did not see the cosmic shift taking place before them. Jesus, who had been connected with the Father and Spirit since before time was created,

was now separated from them. Jesus endured separation from God so that no person would ever have to again. It had been done. The weight of mankind's sins were thrust on his shoulders. Now the only thing left to do was bury them in the grave. To do that, Jesus had to die. He looked down at the people below. His eyes were darkened and nearly lifeless. Jesus whispered,

The soldiers took a sponge attached to a hyssop branch and soaked it in sour wine for him to drink. Over a thousand years prior, the blood of lambs soaked hyssop branches to go in the doorposts of the Hebrews. Now, a different lamb was about to be slain. He lifted his legs and arms to take one final breath. The lightning strapped beside him, causing the soldiers to fall back

Then, with the booming voice of the Almighty, Jesus yelled, It is finished! And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. As Jesus breathed his last, the heavens released the rains, and the storm hurled itself downward at the soldiers and bystanders. In the distance, the priests could hear a loud tearing in the temple. They ran towards the inner place where God's presence dwelled.

There was a large curtain separating the holy of holies from God's people. Yet, the moment Jesus breathed his last breath, the temple curtain was torn in two, signifying the manifest presence of God's Spirit. God's presence would no longer be separated from man in the temple. He would dwell among them, as he did with Jesus. At the foot of the cross, a soldier stood looking up at Jesus' lifeless body.

He could feel the earth itself weeping over his death. He took off his helmet and gazed up. "Truly, this man was the Son of God," he said. They then took a spear and drove it through Jesus' side to ensure he was dead, pouring out of his body and water. Ages ago, God formed Eve from the side of Adam. He took his rib and formed for him a bride. He would walk beside her and love her. Now, from the cross,

God took something from Jesus' side. Water poured forth as a symbol of the cleansing work of his sacrifice. From this, the church will be born of Christ. Jesus was brought down. A rich man who was devoted to Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, had requested the body from Pontius Pilate. There, he, Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary helped wrap him in clean linen.

Then, quickly and without a procession, the Son of God was laid in a tomb cut from the side of a hill. They rolled a great stone on the entrance of the tomb and went away. Jesus' body laid in darkness. Death had delivered the first blow. The disciples were dispersed in fear, and the religious leaders basked in their victory. The skies were dark, and the entire universe was weeping at the death of its Creator.

the Lamb of God had been slain. He was beaten, pierced, mocked and killed. Yet in all of this, he was not a victim. Jesus was not dragged to the cross against his will. He pursued it. He welcomed death as an unworthy adversary. Since the fall of man, sin and death had caused a rift between mankind and its creator. Jesus came to remove death's grip on humanity, so he took it on himself.

Jesus lay in the tomb, yes, but so did all the sins of humanity. They were buried and gone in the grave. The enemy rejoiced for a moment, basking in the triumph. His joy would be short-lived, for the hero of history was preparing to rise again. He would make a mockery of sin soon enough.

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His gaze was continually set on the hill of Calvary where death was awaiting a battle. A theme in this episode, and a few of the episodes leading up to this one, was the personification of death as if it were a person or beast. That was an intentional choice to communicate the heart of God. Satan wasn't even the ultimate enemy to be defeated. Death was. The Bible uses several metaphors for death throughout Scripture. The most compelling image to me is Goliath.

He was the embodiment of death, corruption, and the threat of sin. David is an image of Jesus who stood up to conquer death once and for all. There were plenty of times when Jesus could have backed out and run away. He could have stayed away from Jerusalem. He could have stopped Judas. He could have renounced the words of Caiaphas. And now, standing face to face with Pontius Pilate, who wants an excuse to set him free, Jesus still refuses to back down.

The cross is before him and any thoughts of comfort are behind him. To a worldly man like Pilate, it can be confusing, but to a follower of Jesus, it makes perfect sense. Jesus has always embodied the idea of sacrifice and service to those he loves. He was not going to let the fear of death stop him from carrying out the will of God. After several attempts at helping Jesus, Pilate puts the decision in the hands of the crowd.

He presents them with a choice. They can free Jesus or they can free the terrorist Barabbas. Stared by the Pharisees and seduced by the enemy, the crowd chants, Barabbas. This is profound imagery that shouldn't be missed. Barabbas represents you and I. Barabbas, who was actually guilty, was replaced by Jesus, who was actually innocent. You and I, although guilty because of our sins, have been pardoned.

Jesus, who lived the perfect life, died the death we deserved. The most compelling scene, in my opinion, was the scourging of Jesus. After being condemned to die, he was given over to the Romans, masters of torture. He was beaten to an unrecognizable degree. The moment that gave me chills was when Jesus lifted his gaze toward the hill. Let's listen to that scene again together. He rose his head toward the hills in the distance.

He knew that his present pain was not comparable to the glory awaiting him. Death had beckoned him for a fight. It would not win. He thought of his disciples, the sick he had healed and the poor he had preached to. They were his sheep, the people he was called to redeem. The words of Isaiah echoed from ancient days. They prophesied of this very moment saying, surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrow. We considered him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted.

Yet even so, he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. Upon him was the punishment that brought us peace, and by his wounds we are healed. Jesus' suffering and death was not by random chance. It was prophesied from the very beginning. When mankind fell from grace in the garden, God prophesied over Adam and Eve, promising a son who would spring forth to defeat the serpent.

He would crush his head, but the serpent would bruise his heel. This was the bruising God spoke of. Jesus is the ancient and foreshadowed son of man, destined to defeat the serpent and restore life to mankind. We see an extraordinary dichotomy in the Gospels. Jesus is a meek, humble, and joyful servant, but he's also a strong and conquering warrior who stares death in the face without flinching.

This dichotomy was explored in our series through David, who was both a warrior and poet, king and shepherd. If you haven't yet listened to our series through David, I highly recommend it to you. His life provides a beautiful perspective for the life of Christ. Jesus marched up to the place of the skull, where death was awaiting its challenger. A few things happened before Jesus was risen up to die. First, he needed to march up the hill with the cross on his back.

The weight was heavy for his tired and tattered legs. So a man named Simon was asked to carry the cross for him. This was a profound image that hearkened back to the words of Jesus when he said, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. We all must bear our own crosses. We must all take up suffering in some way for the kingdom of God.

As we embrace hardship and struggle, we come out the other side stronger and the people around us are blessed. Carved into the cross was the title King of the Jews. In scripture, we are told that it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek, the major languages of the ruling powers and nations at that time. This was a beautiful image of what would come afterward when every tribe, whether Jew, Greek, or Roman, would come to recognize Jesus as King and Lord.

And isn't it beautiful that Jesus' coronation as king was not with trumpets surrounded by nobility, but with a crown of thorns upon his head and mockery at his feet? Paul talked about this in Philippians 3, saying, Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. The nature of true royalty is not having a golden crown, but knowing when to lay it down. Jesus laid it all down for our sake on the cross. But before he gave up his spirit, he had a few compelling interactions with those around him. Even at the doorstep of death, Jesus noticed the individual.

First, he attended to the thief on the cross who desperately wanted forgiveness for his sins. Jesus forgave him and granted him everlasting life. Second, he attended to his mother. Even as he is perishing under existential separation from God, he still sees fit to make sure his mom is taken care of. There's no cause for the collective that requires you to abandon the relationships that matter most. When you look at the grand picture of our lives,

It can be easy for us to be self-focused because we are all about the mission. Jesus, however, was able to pause and consider the thief and his mother. The work was almost finished, and God was pouring out his wrath on Jesus. In a moment of pain, he shouted, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani, which means, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Jesus, who had been connected with the Father and Spirit since before time was created, was now separated from them. Jesus endured separation from God so that no person would ever have to again. After he said this, he asked for a drink. Instead of a refreshing drink of water, he was given sour wine from a sponge. The sour drink was an image of the cup Jesus said he had to drink.

Do you remember his reference to the cup? He mentioned it when James and John asked to sit at his right and left hand in episode 14. You have no idea what you're asking, do you? Are you able to drink the cup that I'm about to drink in Jerusalem, Jesus asked. Unsure of the question, but brimming with confidence, James and John nodded. Yes, Lord, we are.

We would not be following you if we were not sure. Jesus nodded in agreement. He looked into their eyes for a moment. They were unable to see their future, but Jesus was. He alone was able to peer into the future of James and John. The cup Jesus would drink at Jerusalem was a cup of suffering. He would endure it, and although they were filled with pride, he knew James and John would endure it as well. He also prayed that the cup would pass from him when praying to God in the garden in episode 17.

Jesus' shivering body walked into the opening between the trees. He looked up to see the moon peeking out from the clouds. His jaw quivered. He closed his eyes and fell to the ground. Jesus' face was on the floor. He clenched fistfuls of dirt and grass as he prayed vigorously to the Lord. Tears streamed down his wincing face. My father, he cried, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Back then, when kings were crowned, they would take a sip from a royal chalice.

When Jesus spoke about this cup, the disciples always took it to mean something good. But this was the cup he was talking about, the cup of wrath. So when he said, it is finished, he meant the power of sin, death, and decay was taken. The episode ends with the Son of God lying in a tomb.

You and I know that this is not where the story ends. However, the beloved disciples didn't know what you and I know. In our next episode, we will follow them in their grief, feel the pain of loss, and then experience the hour of resurrection.

Join us for episode 19, He is Risen. Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to pray.com. And to expand your Heroes in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at tonyevans.org forward slash heroes. Share this podcast with a family member or friend so they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way.

You never know how great of an impact the Bible and this podcast can have on someone's life. God bless.

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