Irony multiplied

Monday, October 3, 2011: Matthew 27:32 (NKJV)

Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.

John 19:17 (NKJV)

And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha

What was the irony? Jesus Christ carried the cross. So did Simon the Cyrene. Both reports were true. A scourging required weeks of healing during which death could result. One condemned to be crucified was not scourged. When it became obvious that Christ was not in any condition to keep carrying the cross, Simon was forced.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011: Luke 23:26 – 32 (NKJV)

And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

What was the irony? The words of Christ prophetic and  were carried out when the Romans ransacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011: Mark 15:20 – 23 (NKJV)

And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him. And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it.

What was the irony? Christ submitted to the soldier’s mockery but did not submit to the pain reliever.

Thursday, October 6, 2011: John 19:19 – 20 (NKJV)

Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

What was the irony? Instead of the effect “This is what we do upstart Jews,” the words written declared Christ’s true title!

Friday, October 7, 2011: John 19:21 – 22 (NKJV)

Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’”

Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

What was the irony? The chief priests and Pilate wanted to change the words but pride prevented Pilate from doing so because the Jews asked.

Irony

Monday, September 26, 2011: John 18:28 (NKJV)

Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.

What was the irony? Neither Caiaphas, the Chief Priest, nor the Jews would enter a Roman home so they could eat a Passover lamb. Ironically, they did not recognize the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011: Luke 23:18 – 19 (NKJV)

And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”— who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.

What was the irony? Bar Abbas, which means Son of the Father, was released. He was a rebel, a thief and a murderer. Ironically, they rejected the true Son of the heavenly Father.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011: Matthew 27:24, 26 (NKJV)

When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”

Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

What was the irony? Washing hands in public does not absolve one from responsibility. Pilate declared his innocence from blood. Ironically, Pilate then gave the order to crucify Jesus Christ.

Thursday, September 29, 2011: Matthew 27:25 (NKJV)

And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

What was the irony? The guilt of shedding innocent blood was freely accepted by some of the Jews present. Ironically, it is His blood that pays for a believer’s sins.

Friday, September 30, 2011: Mark 15:16 – 20 (NKJV)

Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

What was the irony? Jesus Christ is called the Lord of hosts, the commander-in-chief of God’s armies. Ironically, the Roman soldiers made a mockery of bowing before Him and worshipping Him as a joke.