32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals,  one on his right and one on his left. 33 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 35-38 And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers  scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” Luke 23:32-38 English Standard Version

If the gospel had been written by modern man then, like a film of the crucifixion made some years ago, the event would have been described in gory details. Yet Luke simply states “there they crucified him.” We are not called to dwell on the emotional part of the crucifixion, but on the event itself. Years later the apostle Paul stated this event as being the heart of the gospel that brings salvation to sinners. He said: “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3) Apart from showing how central this event is , how do Paul's words also show that the crucifixion wasn't an accident of history, or a divine plan gone wrong?

He says it was 'in accord with what the scriptures had foretold'. What Jesus went through in His trial, and what happened on the cross, are things that were told of in the Old Testament. A classic case is Psalm 22 which said: “I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they  wag their heads; 'He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!'” (vs 6-8) And again: “A company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet - I can count all my bones - they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:16-18)

Isaiah 53 is another remarkable part of the Old Testament that spoke of this event. In vs 12 of that chapter, as the prophet spoke of the sufferings Messiah would experience, he said: “He poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors.” While that ultimately explains Paul's words that “Christ died for our sins”, it's notable that Luke tells us that Jesus was physically crucified between two criminals. To any passer by that day it would've looked as if three common transgressors had been crucified. Jesus, however, wasn’t a transgressor – yet He was willing to be treated as such. Why would He do that? (vs 33)

It was the only way that a prayer such as the one Jesus made could be answered. If God is absolutely pure and holy then He could not turn a blind eye to the injustice that was taking place that day. Even if the people didn't realize what they were doing, it was still a horrendous sin. But verse 12 of Isaiah 53 goes on to say: “He poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors - yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors!”

This offering of Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of many was a big part of why sinners can be forgiven. It's the reason why God's righteous justice remains perfectly intact when He passes over the wickedness we have done. But the other part of why sinners can be forgiven is because of the prayers of intercession by Jesus as our perfect High Priest. It was no doubt in answer to that prayer that 50 days later, on the Jewish feast day of Pentecost, some 3000 Jews were saved through the gospel message which says “Christ died for sinners.” The message goes on to say that “He was buried - but was raised on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:4) What a wonderful message for all who believe!