How did Jesus die?

Jesus' crucifixion is more than just a historical fact; it's a focal point of Christian themes about sacrifice and redemption. Crucifixion itself was a brutal and humiliating method of execution used by the Romans primarily for slaves and political rebels, making Jesus' choice of death particularly poignant. The details in Matthew 27:35 show how everything from the timing to the people involved contributed to the enormity of this event in the biblical narrative.

Now, here’s a fun nugget for you: did you know that there’s an incredible emphasis on symbolism in the crucifixion story? Specifically, when Jesus hangs on the cross, there's a profound connection to Psalm 22, which begins with, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" While enduring unimaginable suffering, Jesus echoes a cry that plunges deep into Israel's spirituality, reflecting anguish and the search for divine presence.

Moreover, crucifixion in the ancient world served as a dramatic and public deterrent—people would often witness the torturous death, reinforcing the power of the Roman Empire. Yet, unexpectedly, this was a death that gave way to themes of resurrection, hope, and transformation, permeating stories and teachings in the New Testament.

Even the event's location, Golgotha, sometimes overlooked, is known as "the place of the skull" — an eerie setting that metaphorically represents mortality but stands juxtaposed against the promise of eternal life through rebirth. Such is the deeply layered history and significance behind Jesus’ crucifixion, echoing throughout time and faith.