Matthew 27:32-49
The Lord Jesus is led from the judgment hall to Calvary. Simon the Cyrenian is compelled to bear His cross. But He is going to charge Himself voluntarily with an incomparably heavier burden: the burden of sin which no one could take in His place. He is crucified between two malefactors. "His accusation written" above the cross actually accuses the people who crucify their King. The description is given briefly, without the details which human writers would certainly have added to touch our feelings. Meanwhile, behind the sober language of the Spirit, we realise that no manner of suffering was spared our beloved Saviour – physical suffering, but above all untold moral suffering. The mockers are there: they taunt the Lord Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself (v. 40). (But if He remains on the cross, that is precisely because He was to save others). They provoke God, raising doubts as to His love for Christ, who feels deeply this outrage (v. 43; Psalms 69:9). Above all, the suffering of sufferings for Him is the forsaking during the three hours. During that time God turned away His face, when the Lord Jesus was made a curse, making atonement for my sins and yours, and when His infinitely tender heart under this momentary weight, bore the eternal burden of our chastisement.