The Cross Part 8

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8. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, each describe the scene of the cross. It was a confederacy of the chief priests, scribes, and elders, held in due order at the palace of the high priest, that led to the murder of the Lord. (Matt. 26:3, 4.) The chief priests paid the money. (Ver. 15.) The multitude that came to take Him were from the chief priests and elders of the people (ver. 47); there was a servant of the high priest among the number (ver. 51): and they led their prisoner at once away-to Caiaphas the high priest, at whose palace the scribes and elders were assembled. (Vers. 57, 58.) Then comes the effort of the chief priests, the elders, and all the council to find false witnesses against Jesus to put Him to death. (Ver. 59.) Taken to the governor He answers nothing; but the people, to whom Pilate appeals in His favor, persuaded by the priests and elders, refuse the appeal, and demand that He should be crucified: "Let him be crucified." (Matt. 27:22, 23: compare Mark 15:13, 14; Luke 23:21-23; John 19:6.) Pilate proposes they should crucify Him (John 19:6); and in order to make Jesus speak, threatens to crucify Him. (John 19:10.) On the Jews again demanding Him to be crucified (John 19:15), he asks, Shall he crucify their king? They reply, they will have no king but Caesar. Pilate delivers Him to be crucified. (Matt. 27:26; Mark 15:15; John 19:16.) The Roman soldiers lead Him away to crucify Him. (Matt. 27:31; Mark 15:20.) Then they lay the cross upon Him. (John 19:17.) Afterward, forcing Simon the Cyrenian to bear His cross (Matt. 26:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26), they crucify Him in a place near to the city (John 19:20), and part His garments, casting lots. (Matt. 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23, 24.) And two thieves were crucified with Him; He, however, having had the superscription over His head. (Matt. 27:37, 38; Mark 15:26, 27; John 19:18.) This (from John 19:19, we-find) was put by Pilate's order. And observe the scene; they that pass by are reviling Him, wagging their heads, and saying, If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. (Matt. 27:39, 40; Mark 15:29, 30.) The chief priests mock with the scribes and elders, saying, if He be the king of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. (Matt. 27:41, 42; Mark 15:31, 32); and the two thieves crucified with Him cast the same in His teeth. (Matt. 27:44; Mark 15:32.)