Living Faith by James M. Dakis
What does the Bible say about Jesus’ executioners?
One doesn’t have to look very far or deep into Scripture for what seems to be an obvious answer to this question. All four gospel writers mention that the Jewish leaders, led by Caiaphas, the High Priest, were caught in a legal quandary; Roman law forbade them from executing anyone, even if Jewish law allowed or required it.
As the plot unfolds, the Romans had no quarrel with Jesus, in that to them He was nothing more than a nuisance to the Jews, a people they already saw as a thorn in their side anyway. So, what if this lunatic on the fringes of this religion was stirring up trouble within their ranks? Why did they care? Be that as it may, politics being what they were, and with unruly crowds turning into mobs, something had to be done. And it was.
So, was Jesus crucified by the Jews, the Romans, or...
We can read about the crucifixion of Jesus, but none of the Gospel accounts ever mention nailing Him to the cross. It isn’t until we read in Colossians that we get confirmation that our Savior was indeed secured to this instrument of death with spikes of some sort.
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” (Colossians 2:14, KJV)
History tells a horrific story about the evolution of crucifixion. While it probably was created by the Babylonians or Assyrians, the method was perfected into the torturous exhibition that it would become by the Romans. Used as a method of executing murderers, rapists, insurrectionists, escaped slaves, and several other types of criminals deemed worthy of death, they made changes to make this painful death both more inhumane and humiliating. This being the case, the Pontifical Pilate found nothing wrong with Jesus and did not initially condemn Him; He had not committed any of these offenses.
Jewish law and the death penalty
There were many laws given in the Books of Law under which a Jew could be put to death. Some, such as murder, rape, and child sacrifice (which is essentially the murder of your own child, but to a false god), would all be seen even in the criminal code of many places today as reasons for capital punishment. Others, such as blasphemy, false prophesy, breaking the Sabbath, or promoting another religion, show that the laws given to Moses were evidence that the Israelites lived under a theocracy or a government where the religious law dictated the civil and criminal law as well.
This would change when Rome laid claim to the Jewish homeland in 63 BC. Unlike other people they conquered, however, the Romans realized that the Jews would never bow down to their gods, so they allowed them to continue worshipping as long as their practices did not violate Roman law, such as those concerning matters of capital punishment.
This is where it gets sticky!
Technically, the death of Jesus came at the hand(s) of those who drove the nails into his hands and feet. We don’t know the details or the names of these people, nor is it important to the gospel message. They were Roman soldiers under orders from the Roman government. However, the same Roman government did this under pressure from the Jewish people. So, who killed Jesus?
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22, KJV)
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23, KJV)
Well, it looks like a good look in the mirror tells me that although the Romans and Jews may have played a part in the crucifixion of Jesus, so did I. What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Living Faith by James M. Dakis is a Christian writing ministry that shares devotional teachings as well as faith-based fiction for anyone hoping to grow in Christ. Whether you are already a Christian or have questions about your faith, I would love to talk with you. Comment here or reach out to me personally.
Special thanks to Kyle Chastain, Grace Bianco, Radha Kapadia, J.M. Troppello, Julia Vaughan, and Diana C. for their inspiration and help in making me a better writer.