LESSON X.-SABBATH, DECEMBER 8, 1894

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 26, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 55.

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LESSON X.—SABBATH, DECEMBER 8, 1894

THE CRUCIFIXION.

Lesson Scripture, Luke 23:32-49.

AND there were also two others, malefactors, led with Him to be put to death.
And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left.
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, offering him vinegar,
And saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself.
And there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us.
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.
And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.
And it was now about the sixth hour, and a darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour,
The sun's light failing; and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit; and having said this, he gave up the ghost.
And when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts.
And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed with him from Galilee, stood afar off, seeing these things.

Who were led with Jesus to crucifixion?
What mark of dishonor was given to Jesus?
What did Jesus say as they were crucifying him?
What did they do with his garments?
In what words did the rulers deride him?
What did the soldiers do?
What did they say to him?
What was the superscription on the cross?
What did one of the malefactors do and say?
What did the other one say to the first one's railing?
What spirit did he manifest?
What request did he make of the Lord?
What did Jesus reply?
At what hour was Jesus crucified?
What took place when he was crucified? and for how long?
What happened to the veil of the temple?
With what words did Jesus expire?
What was said by the centurion in charge, when he saw what was done?
How were all the people affected?

NOTE.

One malefactor said in derision, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." He had no confidence in Christ's claims. In common with all the people, he had a vague expectation that Messiah would come, but he, like the others, looked for a mighty warrior, who should deliver them from merely temporal ills. What the malefactor asked was impossible. Christ could not save himself and them. He could save men only by the sacrifice of himself. "With his stripes we are healed." The words of the malefactor that first spoke showed that he had no conception of the character and work of Christ. But into the mind and heart of the other one the light of faith had dawned. He saw in Christ the Deliverer from sin and death. His request was, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." This prayer was answered. Christ promised that the thief should be with him in Paradise. When he comes in his kingdom, an event still future, the thief will be remembered. He could not be with Christ before, for none can be taken to be with him until he comes the second time, to take them to himself. See John 14:1-3. The circumstances under which the promise was made necessarily called forth an emphatic declaration, "Verily, I say unto thee to-day." Christ could not save himself from the cross, but, hanging on the cross, with all men reviling him, and even the heavens seemingly against him, he could speak salvation to the believing sinner.