15:21-32 Earlier, Jesus had said that those who wished to follow him would have to take up their cross and do just that—follow him. Now his disciples have deserted him. The Romans compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who happened to be passing by, to bear his cross.
They end up at the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. Crucifixions were barbaric, public events, meant to deter others. To help with the pain, they gave Jesus wine mingled with myrrh, a narcotic, but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them. The possessions of the accused were confiscated, and casting lots for his garment echoed the ancient lament in Ps. 22:18.
And it was the third hour, about 9 a.m., and they crucified him. The formal charge was fastened to the cross above his head, thereby alerting any passers-by to the crime. The superscription over Jesus' head read THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left—the two positions once coveted by James and John. See Mark 10:35-45. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
