These four words are found in Luke 23:33. How few words to explain such an incredible event! Consider their magnitude.
“There”
The place of Jesus’ crucifixion is called “Golgotha” in the Hebrew and “Calvary” in Latin. Both mean, “Skull.” Whether there were skulls lying around or the place resembled a skull, it was a terrible place of pain and execution. It was “outside” the city (Hebrews 13:12), which indicates that Jesus was like the scapegoat of Leviticus 16. He bore “our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24).
“They”
This pronoun included more than just the soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross. It includes the Jewish leader, Jewish people, Pilate, Herod and all mankind. It includes you and me because His death was caused by our sins (Isaiah 53:5; Romans 3:23; 5:8).
“Crucified”
The Persians invented crucifixion, but the Romans perfected it. It was a horrible means of death. It caused incredible pain and prolonged agony. The Scripture is true – “Christ also suffered for us” (1 Peter 2:21).
“Him”
Jesus not only died for our sins, but He actually took our place. Reflecting on the cross should cause us to remember: “That should have been me! However, Jesus took my place” (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; 2 Corinthians 5:19). His death for us was sacrificial, suffering, saving, sufficient and substitutionary. In the words of Paul, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
