Lk 9:22-25
Cross: The cross is an ancient instrument of execution, probably originated by the Persians and often employed by the Greeks and the Romans for its deterrent value, especially against rebellious slaves and seditious provincials. The condemned, with a placard proclaiming the crime hung around his neck, would carry the crossbar (not the whole cross) to the place of his execution. His arms were affixed to the crossbar with ropes and nails, and then the crossbar was raised and attached to the upright stake. Death came slowly from the cumulative impact of thirst, hunger, exhaustion, and the traumatic effects of scourging which preceded crucifixion. Because of the protracted suffering and the extreme ignominy of this punishment, crucifixion was viewed as the supreme penalty, the “most wretched of death.”
The accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion reveal the usual procedures: Jesus is condemned by Pilate of high political treason, is flogged, led away to be crucified, nailed to the cross with a placard of his crime fixed above his head.
That Christians would hold as Messiah and worship as Lord one who died on the cross was foolish and scandalous to both Jews and pagans (see 1 Cor 1:18-25). The scandal of the cross would only be removed if the meaning attached to it were completely overturned. This happened with Jesus’ resurrection. In the light of the resurrection, the death of Jesus on the cross took a salvific meaning. It was seen as an atonement, a sacrifice, Jesus’ kenōsis or self-emptying, proof of God’s love for us.