31 For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” 32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.           

Jesus concluded His prophetic warning with a proverb (vs 31), “For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” If the Romans treated an innocent Man—one they knew to be innocent—in such a manner, what will happen to those who are guilty? Dry wood burns more readily than green.           

The enemies of Israel destroyed the city stone by stone. Jesus wept for the city and had pity on them, even as He was being led to His death. At the moment when Jesus would be most justified to think only of Himself, He thought of others.

Who made up this crowd in this parade of suffering? We see those scoffers and mockers who cry out for the destruction of Jesus. We hear cursing from the lips of the Roman soldiers who delight in seeing another Jewish prophet put to death. We see those who are attracted to accidents and bloody sites who follow those to be condemned: the curious, the bloodthirsty. Perhaps even some good men were there, though they be scarce. I am sure in that crowd were some of the followers of Jesus. Some of them have run away, but some of them follow the one whom they love.

Also carrying their crosses were the two other thieves. They were dying for their own crimes. They stood justly condemned. The Bible also tells us “He, who knew no sin, is numbered with the transgressors for the sins of the people.”

If there is anything we have come to understand with this parade, is it represents all who are in need of salvation. It represents all of us sinners - be we apathetic, sympathetic, antagonistic, or vengeful.

The warning He gave was not just for Jerusalem; it is for America. It was not just for individuals there, it is for individual here. It is for those wearing outlandish Easter bonnets on 5th Avenue or suits and ties or shorts and t shirts. We are the people needing salvation and God saw it fit that before mankind the savior was paraded before us.

The site of the crucifixion is Golgotha, a skull-shaped hill overlooking the fiery city dump of Jerusalem. The cross was laid on the ground. Soldiers stripped Jesus and force Him down on top of the cross. His hands were nailed first. The soldiers found the spot on each wrist where two bones come together near the pulse. Careful not to pound the nails into the pulse and thus guarantee a quicker death, they drive the six-inch iron spikes through Jesus’ wrists and into the splintery wood.

Application:  Ponder today Christ's suffering.  The salvation He has provided came at a great cost.  

Prayer:  Lord, as we ponder all You have done, we cant help but bow and then stand in praises for Your Glorious Grace.