Before my conversion, I was always one who “believed” that the Bible was true. I thought that what Jesus did was a “nice thing”. The message of Christ’s cross had been upon my ears since I was born, but I never truly heard it. I never had my eyes opened to what it truly meant that, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) My prayer is that this book serves as a motivation for us to search the Scriptures, and to see vividly the glory of Christ in his death and resurrection. In turn, this would be a strong challenge to never be complacent about our Savior. I pray that in His work, we would find all our hope.

Chapter 9: The Crown of Thorns

The Sanhedrin had completed their “trial” of Jesus and needed Pilate’s authority to have Jesus executed. Pilate saw no reason to execute him, but with his back against the wall he condemned Jesus. Pilate had no care for truth. In the end, it was his own selfish ambitions that drove him. 

The Roman soldiers then beat Jesus and dressed him up, mocking him as “King of the Jews!” As Leahy writes, “That crown symbolized what sinful man thinks of Christ.” In this the immeasurable love of God shines through. That as sinners we were among those who cried out “Crucify, crucify him!” (Luke 23:21) Yet, as Leahy states, “It is in his diadem of thorns that he stoops low in humiliation and shame and sorrow to seek and to save sinners.”

Chapter 10: Outside the Gates

Christ, now sentenced to death, took up his cross and carried it outside the gates of the city. In this journey to the cross Jesus paints a picture of what he was about to do. He carried his cross out of the sight of the city, and in the same way he would carry the sins of the elect away forever.

Jesus became the curse for us so that we would inherit eternal life. He took all the shame that came with being led out of the city as a criminal. Leahy describes in detail the thoughts that would be in the minds of the onlookers. By leading Christ out of the city, they were declaring him to be unworthy. They had no idea that soon Christ would enter heaven, triumphant, having lead captivity captive. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)

Chapter 11: Satan’s cup Refused

In this chapter Leahy touches on the “wine mixed with myrrh” (Mark 15:23). This cup was one that was offered to criminals before their crucifixion as a sedative. Christ immediately refuses this cup. Speaking on the cup of wrath Leahy says, “He must drink it as it was poured out by God.”

In this we see an obedience that is unparalleled and incomprehensible. As Jesus comes to Golgotha, he is entering darkness that we could never imagine. He knows what the wrath of God entails and asks for no sedative. His faith is not in the easing of the pain, but rather in the faithfulness of His Father. Sin must be judged completely, and in His holiness, he would have it no other way.

Chapter 12: The King Among Bandits

“It must be remembered… that he died as he had lived, in the midst of sinners” Leahy says, describing Christ between the bandits. Jesus was truly “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12) in the most real sense. He suffered a death that was not only physically excruciating, but also overflowing with shame. How deep is the love of God? That our Lord would leave his glorious throne to be made a curse for us.

Leahy states that Christ “knew that this was exactly where he was meant to be” according to God’s plan. “For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me. ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment” (Luke 22:37). All these things were fulfilled, and Jesus “ascended on high he led a host of captives and he gave gifts to men” (Ephesians 4:8).

Have you been guilty of diluting the cup of salvation with any works? Have you put your hope in a church? Is your faith in anything other than the blood of Christ?

If so, I would urge you to turn from your sin and put your faith in Christ alone. “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)