Crucifixtion

We must understand that Jesus did not die by crucifixion. The Roman centurion who had witnessed hundreds of crucifixions and knew the length of time needed for death to occur was astounded when he saw that He was dead by three in the afternoon. Pilate could not believe the report.

So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time.  Mark 15:39,44

Jesus did not die at anyone’s hand. He deliberately chose to die, the willing sacrifice for sin, freely choosing to join us in our death. This is brought out in the phrase that is used to describe His death:

...And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.   John 19:30

The phrase “gave up His spirit” means to dismiss or hand over something, which is not the word that is used to describe the act of dying.5 He did not die by the hands of the Jews or the Romans. Crucifixion did not kill Him. He had power over His life; and choosing to die, He dismissed His spirit.

Paul consistently uses this same phrase to describe the death of the Lord Jesus:

...who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

...Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God.... Ephesians 5:2

...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. . . . Ephesians 5:25

- Malcolm Smith