We are once again reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice in order to be reconciled with God, when he is referred to as the second Adam, as he corrected the fall of mankind (Adam & Eve).
Christians also argue that the death of Jesus was inevitable; he had to die, for humanity couldn’t be redeemed without him being sacrificed. The bible teaches us this. It teaches us that God is merciful, but he is also just, so our sins have to be paid for.
The Crucifix holds symbolism for Roman Catholics as well as Protestants. Roman Catholics see it as a symbol of Jesus death, therefore having a crucifix with Jesus on. Protestants however, see it as a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection therefore having a plain crucifix.
Jesus if often referred to as ‘The lamb of God’. This can be compared with the Old Testament (Exodus) where an innocent lamb would be sacrificed each year at Passover. Jewish people did this, as they believed that by shedding the blood of an innocent lamb and painting it upon their doors, they would be spared by the angel of death. Jesus is like the lamb that is sacrificed in order to spare the Jews lives. An example of this today can be found at mass where the congregation say “ Lamb of God take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us”.
“Eloi, eloi, lama sabacthani?” is what Jesus quoted when he was crying out on the cross. Translated it means, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?”
This quote can be interpreted in two ways. The first one is that Jesus felt God, his father, had abandoned him, and in his despair he was calling upon him. The second one is that Jesus was quoting from psalm 22, which seems to describe Jesus crucifixion. This is a psalm that starts in anguish and despair but ends in hope. Could this psalm 22 have also described his feelings?
At the moment of Jesus’ death, the temple curtain ripped in two. The curtain separated the Ark of the Covenant from the locals (Mark chp 15). This can be seen as one of three things. Firstly, it can be seen that the barrier between God and humans has been lifted, therefore being atoned with God and no longer separated by sin. Secondly, it can be seen that God has left the temple in abhorrence at his chosen people killing his only son. However many Christians believe that the death of Jesus was unavoidable, as he was destined to die in this way. Lastly, it can be seen as a prediction of the destruction of the temple.
Also, darkness fell at the moment of Jesus’ death. This can be seen as Gods way of grieving for his son, and showing that Jesus was the Son of God. When this darkness descended, a Roman solider quoted “In truth this man was a son of God” (Mark chp 15). This was a unique event, as of all people to realise Jesus was the Son of God, it was Roman solider. It was at this point also, that many other people realised that Jesus was who he said he was, the Son of God.
