Read Matthew 27:11-26. The Jewish leaders accused Jesus of three crimes. They claimed that Hethe paying taxes; and claiming to be a king, political charges, the kind that a Roman government. Jesus claimed to be a king, because this was a definite threat to Rome. After much interrogation, Pilate was convinced and shouted that Jesus was not a dangerous revolutionary. This article examines the experience and lessons of Golgotha.

“I find no fault in Him,” but the Jewish rulers were“Crucify insistent that Pilate should condemn Jesus. When! They mentioned that Jesus was from Galilee, and Pilate saw a way out of his dilemma, since Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction. It is possible that Herod was displeased with Pilate because Pilate had slain him!”

Some of Herod’s citizens (Luke 13:10). This would have been an opportunity for Pilate to become reconciled to Herod. He then sent Jesus to Herod. Herod mocked Jesus and then sent him back to Pilate. Pilate questioned Jesus further, but He made no reply. You can read further related posts on our Bible search page of the site.

1. Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Pilate, having been warned by his wife, wanted to release Jesus tactfully. He then brought a notorious prisoner, a robber (John 8:40; Mark 1:7), thinking that no one would want a notorious prisoner in society.

To his surprise, the Jews preferred the release of a notorious prisoner, Barabbas, to Jesus Chri, who had performed healing, deliverance, miracles and many others.

They shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate intends to please the people (Mark 15:15); he succumbed to the crowd. This made them release a guilty man and condemn an innocent man.

The power

There are many lessons to learn from the life of Jesus. While he was wrongly accused, Jesus did not reply, and He did not sin against God. If He had wanted, He could have demonstrated His power over them.

He chose to suffer so that He could fulfil God’s purpose. You can manifest Christ’s virtue even in the wrong. Behaving this way does not reflect you as a Christian midst of the hatred of the crowd.

He submitted to their desire because he already had a case with the Roman authorities, to whom they threatened to respond to him.

The Transparent Life

You should live a transparent life so that people will not have anything to blackmail you. Also, you should not be a people pleaser. Rather, you should decide to always do what is right. Avoid joining others to do evil. Rebuke evil when it is necessary, no matter who is involved.

Do not be partial in your judgment. God speaks in different ways; listen to Him and obey Him. Do not be adamant when God is speaking to you.

Mention the person who refused to listen to what was said in this incident. Do God’s will all the time, no matter the cost. The crowd demanded the release of the prisoner, Barabbas. He wanted Jesus, an innocent man, crucified. What a wicked world!

How to avoid joining the crowd to do evil

• Have a personal relationship with God.
• Study God’s Word regularly to know His mind.
• Decide to do what is right always.
• Do God’s will all the time.
• Have a mind of your own.

2. The Place of the Skull (Golgotha)

Luke 23:27-49 says, The word ‘calvary’ comes from the Latin calvari,  which means ‘a skull.” The Aramaic word is Golgotha. At Golgotha, Jesus was crucified without a just cause.

Jesus suffered innocently. He submitted His life for the sins He did not commit. He died a criminal death(Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38). Jesus tried to live before Pilate, who did not see any reason why the sins of HeJesus should be crucified.

But with a loud and persistent demand for Jesus’ crucifixion by the crowd, Pilate granted their wish. So they led the committee. Jesuwas was taken away to be crucified. Simon from Cyrene(Mark 15:21), who came to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts (

Calvary/Golgotha

Acts 2:5-11) was forced to carry the cross for Jesus on the way to Calvary/Golgotha. Carrying the cross was a sign of guilt. This was what they made Simon carry on a most holy day. Fortunately, it was a wonderful opportunity for Simonto to have contact with Jesus Christ. This encounter transformed his life.

God can use any situation to bring people to salvation. Do you believe this? Justify. A large number of people followed Hi,m wailing. Women were lamenting for Jesus’ suffering, but Jesus said they should not sleep for Him but for themselves and their children v.. 28-31).

Why did Jesus say this? Jesus used this to warn them of the destruction that is ahead of the entire nation (Luke 19:41-44). By condemning Jesus, the people condemned themselves.

Seeking forgiveness

However, Jesus pleaded for the forgiveness of sin for those who were crucifying Him. They divided His clothes by casting lots. The rulers mocked Jesus, asking Him to save Himself if He was the
Christ, the chosen one. Jesus was offered vinegar, but He refused.

The board was placed above His head on which it was written: “This is the other, in confession and remorsefulness, asked Him to remember him in Paradise.” It was providential that Jesus was crucified between the Saviour.

One used it well, while the other missed the grace. Our Lord pm. From 12 noon till 3.00 pm, there was darkness over all the land(Mark 15:25, 33). This was not an eclipse, but a miracle (a God-sent darkness).

Passover Season

There was normally a full moon during the Passover season. It was as though nature was sympathising with the Creator as he suffered and died. In Egypt, three days of darkness preceded the first Passover (Exodus 10:21 ff) and three hours of darkness preceded the death of God’s Lamb for the sins of the world (John 1:29).

At last, Jesu, in a loud voice, said: “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit. “When He had said that, He breathed His last (Luke 23:46). At this, the centurion acknowledged Jesus as a righteous man.

As Christian teenagers, you should not jettison every opportunity of salvation God brings your way. Simon and one of the thieves seized the opportunity. It allowed them to have a good record with Jesus. Some teenagers are like the others who condemn and criticise Jesus Christ. Are you like that?

In what ways are some teenagers behaving this way? Be ready to make your way right with God. Do not harden your heart. He is always ready to forgive sins.

Cleansing

The blood Jesus shed on Calvary is for your cleansing. He accepted to be crucified at Golgotha to save you and give you eternal life. If you come to Him, you will receive forgiveness, cleansing, healing, deliverance, etc. Whis His death accomplished is all-encompassing.

Come to Him today to spend eternity with Him. The curtain of the temple that was torn into two was what opened the way for you to go straight to God without approaching His throne of mercy at any moment. You do not need any sacrifice or a third party to go to Him.

How to enjoy the benefits of Golgotha

• Admit the fact that Jesus went to the cross for your sake.
• Accept this offer of salvation by confessing and forsaking your sins.
• Give your life to Christ.
• Do not mock Jesus Christ again through your lifestyle.
• You can approach Jesus Christ anytime.

3. Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Read Luke 24:1-12. When Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathea immediately went to Pilate for permission to have the body, and Nicodemus stayed at Calvary to keep watch over the body.

They tenderly took Jesus from the cross, carried Him to the garden, washed his body, and wrapped it in linen saturated with spices. It was a temporary burial. When they laid Jesus in the new tomb, they fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9.

The body needed to be buried properly, for God would raise Jesus from the dead. If there were any doubt about His death or burial, that could affect the message and the ministry of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

Arimathea

Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, came out publicly to identify with Jesus, even when Jesus’ close disciples fled. It was a great courage for him to request and bury the body of a ‘condemned criminal.’ You must be ready to stand for Jesus and the truth at all times, even when it is costly and uneasy to do so.

After six days God finished the work of the“old creation,” and He rested (Genesis 2:1-3). After six hours, our Lord finished the work of the “new creation”(2 Corinthians 5:17), and He rested on the Sabbath in Joseph’s tomb.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ affirms to us that He is indeed the Son of God, just as He claimed to be (Romans 1:4). It also proves that His sacrifice for sin has been accepted and that the work of salvation is completed (Romans 4:24-25). There was an earthquake, and the angel (Matthew 28:2-4) opened the tomb, not to let Jesus out but to let the witnesses in.

Magdalene

Mary Magdalene was first to get to the tomb, with hwere Maryary, the mother of James, Joana and other devout women (Luke 24:10), who had come to anoint and apply spices on Jesus’ body. Soldiers would not break the Roman seal, especially for a group of mourning Jewish women.

But God had solved the problem for them; the tomb was open and there was nobody to anoint because Jesusgleamed like lightning, stood beside them, and said: “Why do you there was a kind rebuke in the men’s message as they jolted the women out of their bad memories (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19; Luke 9:22, 44; 18:31-34). How sad it is when God’s people forget His Word and live defeated lives!

Good News

The women ran to tell the disciples the good news, but the men did not believe them! (Mark 16:14). Mary Magdalene asked Peter and John to come and examine the tomb (John 20:1-10), and they too saw the proof that Jesus was not there.

As Mary lingered by the tomb weeping, Jesus Himself appeared to her (John 20:11-18). Today, we may not see the evidence in the tomb, but we do have the testimony of the witnesses found in the inspired Word of God. And we can live out our faith in Jesus Chris, knowing personally that He is alive in us (Galatians 2:20).

On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, even though there were different concocted theories to counter this truth. Do you know any of them? Discuss. Jesus indeed rose. He is no longer in the grave(1 Corinthians 15:29).

Women, however, brought spices to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body. You too should also contribute your quota to the Christian faith, your church and fellowship as the women did for Jesus and the cause of Christ. In what ways do you think teenagers can contribute their quota?

Empty Tomb

These women were consistent in their loyalty to Jesus. They left home very early in the morning. They saw not only an open tomb but also an empty tomb. They became the first ambassadors of the resurrection message. They gave the message to the eleven disciples, who did not believe them. Why? Discuss. You must be ready to walk consistently with God without wavering.

You should learn to take Jesus by His words. Jesus told them about His resurrection after the third day, and it happened that way, even though the people had forgotten or did not believe. Nothing is difficult for God to do. The stone that looked impossible for them to remove had already been rolled away by an unseen hand. As Christian teenagers, do not fret because of any challenge. God’s presence is always available to give you a way out.

How to Experience the Power of Calvary

• Ask that Jesus would cleanse you from sin.
• Stand for the truth, even if it costs you your life.
• Be consistent in your walk with the Lord.
• Take each of the promises and prophecies contained in the Word seriously.
• Always remember that Jesus died for your sake.