Why Christ Was Crucified With Others

1. There are at least three reasons why Jesus Christ was crucified with two other men.

            Fulfillment of prophesy

            Symbolism

            A teaching opportunity

1. Fulfillment of prophesy

            Isa 53:9 – And he made his grave with the wicked,…

            Isa 53:12 – …he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

            Mar 15:28 – And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

            Luk 22:37 – For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

III.   Symbolism

            Being crucified with sinners was a picture of Jesus becoming a man and being made sin for us.

            Heb 2:16 – For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

            Heb 2:17 – Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

            2Co 5:21 – For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

            Jesus suffering with sinners was a picture of Him being touched with the feelings of our infirmities.

            Heb 2:18 – For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

            Heb 4:15 – For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

            Heb 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1. A teaching opportunity.

            From the account of Christ being crucified with others we learn:

            to not rail back at those that rail at us.

            Mar 15:32 – …And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

            1Pe 2:23 – Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

            that unregenerate men will not change under even the most severe punishment.

            Luk 23:39 – And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

            Rev 16:9 – And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

            that God can regenerate a person and give him a new heart at anytime in his life, even at the very end of it.

            Mar 15:32 – …And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

            Luk 23:39 – And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

            Luk 23:40 – But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

            Luk 23:41 – And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

            Luk 23:42 – And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

            Luk 23:43 – And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.