“Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”
(Matthew 27:22)
Crucifixion was invented by the Romans as a way to kill their worst criminals. The Roman orator Cicero calls it “a most cruel and disgusting punishment”. It caused a slow, painful and humiliating death.
It was clear that Jesus didn’t deserve this punishment. The governor even exclaimed: “What evil has he done?”. But giving in to the pressure of the crowds, he eventually “took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves’” (Matthew 27:24).
That is the paradox of Jesus’ death: He was absolutely guiltless, his death sentence was utterly unjust. And yet, his death is the greatest blessing that humanity ever received, and is according to God’s will.
Unjust rulers, a rioting crowd and cruel soldiers were involved in the execution of God’s salvation plan. Through evil, God worked out something good. Through the apparent triumph of evil, evil was finally conquered.
Do you see how Jesus’ death can be horrible and glorious at the same time?