Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
This week we start with Jesus Christ in front of Pilate and follow the Via Dolorosa (Latin for 'Sorrowful Way', often translated 'Way of Suffering’) to the cross. As we focus on the events on the cross, we continue our study of the greatest event that has ever happened in the history of the world - the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Nothing has affected humankind so much as the atonement wrought by Jesus of Nazareth.
“Flogging was a legal preliminary to every Roman execution, and only women and Roman senators or soldiers (except in cases of desertion) were exempt. The usual instrument was a short whip (flagellum or flagellum) with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. The back, buttocks, and legs were flogged either by two soldiers (lictors) or by one who alternated positions.
“At the Praetorium, Jesus was severely whipped. A detailed word study of the ancient Greek text for this verse indicates that the scourging of Jesus was particularly harsh. It is not known whether the number of lashes was limited to 39, in accordance with Jewish law.” (https://www.cbcg.org/scourging-crucifixion.html)
Barabbas
Bar – son of
Abba – a father
Barabbas = a son of a father
President James E. Faust: “Perhaps this cruel act was a perverse attempt to mimic the placing of an emperor’s laurel upon His head. … How poignant this was, considering that thorns signified God’s displeasure as He cursed the ground for Adam’s sake that henceforth it would bring forth thorns. But by wearing the crown, Jesus transformed thorns into a symbol of His glory” (“A Crown of Thorns, a Crown of Glory,” Apr. 1991 general conference).
Matthew 27:37 (JST): “And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross, and the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS, in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew. And the chief priests said unto Pilate, It should be written and set up over his head, his accusation, This is he that said he was Jesus, the King of the Jews. But Pilate answered and said, What I have written, I have written; let it alone.”
The series of 14 stations currently commemorate the fourteen following episodes:
“The four pieces would be the head gear, the sandals, the girdle, the tallith (outer garment with fringes).Jesus' coat "without seam" (John 19:23) is frequently seen as having been typified by the robe of the Mosaic high priest (see Exodus 39:27), which was also said to be seamless. John's emphasis on this article of clothing serves to highlight Jesus' power and the fact that Jesus is the Great High Priest.” (See Brown, Gospel According to John, XIII--XXI, 920-21.)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “The Roman soldiers of Pilate provided an unforgettable illustration of the different perspectives of the carnal mind and the spiritual mind. During a tragic but glorious afternoon on Calvary, a handful of soldiers waited at the foot of a cross. One of the supreme events in all eternity was taking place on the cross above their heads. Oblivious to that fact, they occupied themselves by casting lots to deride the earthly property of the dying Son of God (see Matthew 27:35; Luke 23:34: John 19:24). Their example reminds each of us that we should not be casting our lots for the things of the world while the things of eternity, including our families and the work of the Lord, suffer for our lack of attention.” (Pure in Heart Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988, 116.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “But Christ is now sacrificed; the law is fulfilled; the Mosaic dispensation is dead; the fulness of the gospel has come with all its light and power; and so to dramatize, in a way which all Jewry would recognize, that the kingdom had been taken from them and given to others Deity rent the veil of the temple "from the top to the bottom." The Holy of Holies is now open to all, and all, through the atoning blood of the Lamb, can now enter into the highest and holiest of all places, that kingdom where eternal life is found. Paul, in expressive language (Heb. 9 and 10), shows how the ordinances performed through the veil of the ancient temple were in similitude of what Christ was to do, which he now having done, all men become eligible to pass through the veil into the presence of the Lord to inherit full exaltation.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary 1: 830.)
"The major pathophysiologic effect of crucifixion, beyond the excruciating pain, was a marked interference with normal respiration, particularly exhalation. The weight of the body, pulling down on the outstretched arms and shoulders, would tend to fix the intercostals (rib) muscles in an inhalation state and thereby hinder passive exhalation. Accordingly, exhalation was primarily diaphragmatic, and breathing was shallow. It is likely that this form of respiration would not suffice and that hypercarbia (elevated blood levels of carbon dioxide) would soon result. The onset of muscle cramps or tetanic contractions, due to fatigue and hypercarbia, would hinder respiration even further.
"Adequate exhalation required lifting the body by pushing up on the feet and by flexing the elbows and adducting the shoulders. However, this maneuver would place the entire weight of the body on the tarsals (feet) and would produce searing pain. Furthermore, flexion of the elbows would cause rotation of the wrists about the iron nails and cause fiery pain along the damaged median nerves (in the wrist). Lifting of the body would also painfully scrape the scourged back against the rough wooden stipes. Muscle cramps and paresthesias (numbness) of the outstretched and uplifted arms would add to the discomfort. As a result, each respiratory effort would become agonizing and tiring and lead eventually to asphyxia (suffocation).
"The actual cause of death by crucifixion was multifactorial and varied somewhat with each case, but the two most prominent causes probably were hypovolemic shock and exhaustion asphyxia. Other possible contributing factors included dehydration, stress induced arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), and congestive heart failure with the rapid accumulation of pericardial and perhaps pleural effusions (fluid buildup around the heart and lungs)...Death by crucifixion was, in every sense of the word excruciating (Latin, excruciates, or 'out of the cross')." (Edwards, et al, "On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ," Journal of the American Medical Association, Mar. 21, 1986, Vol. 255, No. 11, pp. 1461)
Elder James E. Talmage: [On the cross] it seems that in addition to the fearful suffering incident to crucifixion, the agony of Gethsemane had recurred, intensified beyond human power to endure. In the bitterest hour, the dying Christ was alone , alone in most terrible reality. That the supreme sacrifice of the Son might be consummated in all its fullness, the Father seems to have withdrawn the support of His immediate Presence, leaving to the Savior of men the glory of complete victory over the forces of sin and death. (Jesus the Christ, p.661) (Also quoted by: Elder Bruce R. McConkie in The Mortal Messiah, 4:226; Elder Neil L. Andersen in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness, 92)
President Boyd K Packer: "We do not know exactly how the Lord accomplished the Atonement. But we do know that the cruel torture of crucifixion was only part of the horrific pain which began in Gethsemane—that sacred site of suffering—and was completed on Golgotha. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/the-atonement)
“Teaching the Scriptural Emphasis on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ,” by John Hilton III
References to Gethsemane in the New Testament
“The accounts of Christ in Gethsemane appear in four passages: Matthew 26:36–56, Mark 14:32–52, Luke 22:39–53, and John 18:1–11 … Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all describe Christ’s capture in Gethsemane, although they differ in specific details. The events of Gethsemane are not explicitly mentioned again in the New Testament.”
References to the Crucifixion in the New Testament
“The narrative descriptions of Christ’s Crucifixion are found in Matthew 27:31–56, Mark 15:20–41, Luke 23:26–49, and John 19:16–37. As with Gethsemane, there is nothing in these Crucifixion accounts that states Christ suffered for our sins while on the cross. However, unlike Gethsemane, New Testament authors make Christ’s death a salvific focal point.
“At least twenty-one New Testament passages specifically link Christ’s death with our salvation.”
References to Gethsemane in the Book of Mormon
“Only one Book of Mormon reference can be directly connected to the events of Gethsemane with relative certainty (Mosiah 3:7)”
References to Christ’s Crucifixion in the Book of Mormon
“In contrast to the one clear reference to Gethsemane, Book of Mormon authors make nineteen explicit references to Christ being “lifted up” or “crucified.”
References to Gethsemane in the Doctrine and Covenants
Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19
References to Christ’s Crucifixion in the Doctrine and Covenants
“At least seventeen passages in the Doctrine and Covenants refer to Christ’s Crucifixion or death.”
President Howard W. Hunter: "Now to return to Joseph of Arimathea, the record does not indicate to us that he doubted as did Thomas. We are told he was '... a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear .... '(John 19:38.) He believed secretly because he was afraid of public opinion. Among our own people, in our communities, in our nation and throughout the world, there are secret followers of Jesus and half hearted Christians onlookers who have a noncommittal attitude. Why is it that so many will not commit themselves?
"Joseph of Arimathea was only a secret disciple because of what others would think of him. He would not risk his social position nor the respect of his associates. It is fear that causes men to be noncommittal. They are afraid to declare their loyalty and assume active responsibility. The easy way is to let someone else be the leader and assume the responsibility. The world needs men who are willing to step forward and declare themselves. The world needs men who will lift the load of responsibility to their shoulders and carry it high under the banner of Jesus Christ men who are willing to defend the right openly." (Conference Report, October 1960, Afternoon Meeting 108.)
Teaching Thoughts:
“Flogging was a legal preliminary to every Roman execution, and only women and Roman senators or soldiers (except in cases of desertion) were exempt. The usual instrument was a short whip (flagellum or flagellum) with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. The back, buttocks, and legs were flogged either by two soldiers (lictors) or by one who alternated positions.
“At the Praetorium, Jesus was severely whipped. A detailed word study of the ancient Greek text for this verse indicates that the scourging of Jesus was particularly harsh. It is not known whether the number of lashes was limited to 39, in accordance with Jewish law.” (https://www.cbcg.org/scourging-crucifixion.html)
Barabbas
Bar – son of
Abba – a father
Barabbas = a son of a father
- In the Harclean text [Syriac], the name is Barrabban and would mean "son of the rabbi or teacher."
- Matthew 27:16 – “a notable prisoner” or a “notorious prisoner.”
- Mark 15:7 – “made insurrection” and “had committed murder in the insurrection.”
- Luke 23:19 – committed “sedition” and “murder.”
- John 18:40 – “a robber.”
President James E. Faust: “Perhaps this cruel act was a perverse attempt to mimic the placing of an emperor’s laurel upon His head. … How poignant this was, considering that thorns signified God’s displeasure as He cursed the ground for Adam’s sake that henceforth it would bring forth thorns. But by wearing the crown, Jesus transformed thorns into a symbol of His glory” (“A Crown of Thorns, a Crown of Glory,” Apr. 1991 general conference).
Matthew 27:37 (JST): “And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross, and the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS, in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew. And the chief priests said unto Pilate, It should be written and set up over his head, his accusation, This is he that said he was Jesus, the King of the Jews. But Pilate answered and said, What I have written, I have written; let it alone.”
The series of 14 stations currently commemorate the fourteen following episodes:
- The place where Jesus was condemned to death;
- Jesus is made to bear his cross (Church of the Flagellation / Church of the Imposition of the Cross and Church of Ecce Homo);
- Jesus falls for the first time;
- Jesus meets his mother (Church of Our Lady of Sorrows);
- Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross (Chapel of Simon of Cyrene);
- Veronica wipes Jesus’ face;
- Jesus falls for the second time;
- The women of Jerusalem weep over Jesus;
- Jesus falls for the third time;
- Jesus is stripped of his garments;
- Jesus is nailed to the cross;
- Jesus dies on the cross;
- Jesus is taken down from the cross; and
- Jesus is placed in the sepulchre.
“The four pieces would be the head gear, the sandals, the girdle, the tallith (outer garment with fringes).Jesus' coat "without seam" (John 19:23) is frequently seen as having been typified by the robe of the Mosaic high priest (see Exodus 39:27), which was also said to be seamless. John's emphasis on this article of clothing serves to highlight Jesus' power and the fact that Jesus is the Great High Priest.” (See Brown, Gospel According to John, XIII--XXI, 920-21.)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “The Roman soldiers of Pilate provided an unforgettable illustration of the different perspectives of the carnal mind and the spiritual mind. During a tragic but glorious afternoon on Calvary, a handful of soldiers waited at the foot of a cross. One of the supreme events in all eternity was taking place on the cross above their heads. Oblivious to that fact, they occupied themselves by casting lots to deride the earthly property of the dying Son of God (see Matthew 27:35; Luke 23:34: John 19:24). Their example reminds each of us that we should not be casting our lots for the things of the world while the things of eternity, including our families and the work of the Lord, suffer for our lack of attention.” (Pure in Heart Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988, 116.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “But Christ is now sacrificed; the law is fulfilled; the Mosaic dispensation is dead; the fulness of the gospel has come with all its light and power; and so to dramatize, in a way which all Jewry would recognize, that the kingdom had been taken from them and given to others Deity rent the veil of the temple "from the top to the bottom." The Holy of Holies is now open to all, and all, through the atoning blood of the Lamb, can now enter into the highest and holiest of all places, that kingdom where eternal life is found. Paul, in expressive language (Heb. 9 and 10), shows how the ordinances performed through the veil of the ancient temple were in similitude of what Christ was to do, which he now having done, all men become eligible to pass through the veil into the presence of the Lord to inherit full exaltation.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary 1: 830.)
"The major pathophysiologic effect of crucifixion, beyond the excruciating pain, was a marked interference with normal respiration, particularly exhalation. The weight of the body, pulling down on the outstretched arms and shoulders, would tend to fix the intercostals (rib) muscles in an inhalation state and thereby hinder passive exhalation. Accordingly, exhalation was primarily diaphragmatic, and breathing was shallow. It is likely that this form of respiration would not suffice and that hypercarbia (elevated blood levels of carbon dioxide) would soon result. The onset of muscle cramps or tetanic contractions, due to fatigue and hypercarbia, would hinder respiration even further.
"Adequate exhalation required lifting the body by pushing up on the feet and by flexing the elbows and adducting the shoulders. However, this maneuver would place the entire weight of the body on the tarsals (feet) and would produce searing pain. Furthermore, flexion of the elbows would cause rotation of the wrists about the iron nails and cause fiery pain along the damaged median nerves (in the wrist). Lifting of the body would also painfully scrape the scourged back against the rough wooden stipes. Muscle cramps and paresthesias (numbness) of the outstretched and uplifted arms would add to the discomfort. As a result, each respiratory effort would become agonizing and tiring and lead eventually to asphyxia (suffocation).
"The actual cause of death by crucifixion was multifactorial and varied somewhat with each case, but the two most prominent causes probably were hypovolemic shock and exhaustion asphyxia. Other possible contributing factors included dehydration, stress induced arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), and congestive heart failure with the rapid accumulation of pericardial and perhaps pleural effusions (fluid buildup around the heart and lungs)...Death by crucifixion was, in every sense of the word excruciating (Latin, excruciates, or 'out of the cross')." (Edwards, et al, "On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ," Journal of the American Medical Association, Mar. 21, 1986, Vol. 255, No. 11, pp. 1461)
Elder James E. Talmage: [On the cross] it seems that in addition to the fearful suffering incident to crucifixion, the agony of Gethsemane had recurred, intensified beyond human power to endure. In the bitterest hour, the dying Christ was alone , alone in most terrible reality. That the supreme sacrifice of the Son might be consummated in all its fullness, the Father seems to have withdrawn the support of His immediate Presence, leaving to the Savior of men the glory of complete victory over the forces of sin and death. (Jesus the Christ, p.661) (Also quoted by: Elder Bruce R. McConkie in The Mortal Messiah, 4:226; Elder Neil L. Andersen in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness, 92)
President Boyd K Packer: "We do not know exactly how the Lord accomplished the Atonement. But we do know that the cruel torture of crucifixion was only part of the horrific pain which began in Gethsemane—that sacred site of suffering—and was completed on Golgotha. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/the-atonement)
“Teaching the Scriptural Emphasis on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ,” by John Hilton III
References to Gethsemane in the New Testament
“The accounts of Christ in Gethsemane appear in four passages: Matthew 26:36–56, Mark 14:32–52, Luke 22:39–53, and John 18:1–11 … Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all describe Christ’s capture in Gethsemane, although they differ in specific details. The events of Gethsemane are not explicitly mentioned again in the New Testament.”
References to the Crucifixion in the New Testament
“The narrative descriptions of Christ’s Crucifixion are found in Matthew 27:31–56, Mark 15:20–41, Luke 23:26–49, and John 19:16–37. As with Gethsemane, there is nothing in these Crucifixion accounts that states Christ suffered for our sins while on the cross. However, unlike Gethsemane, New Testament authors make Christ’s death a salvific focal point.
“At least twenty-one New Testament passages specifically link Christ’s death with our salvation.”
References to Gethsemane in the Book of Mormon
“Only one Book of Mormon reference can be directly connected to the events of Gethsemane with relative certainty (Mosiah 3:7)”
References to Christ’s Crucifixion in the Book of Mormon
“In contrast to the one clear reference to Gethsemane, Book of Mormon authors make nineteen explicit references to Christ being “lifted up” or “crucified.”
References to Gethsemane in the Doctrine and Covenants
Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19
References to Christ’s Crucifixion in the Doctrine and Covenants
“At least seventeen passages in the Doctrine and Covenants refer to Christ’s Crucifixion or death.”
President Howard W. Hunter: "Now to return to Joseph of Arimathea, the record does not indicate to us that he doubted as did Thomas. We are told he was '... a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear .... '(John 19:38.) He believed secretly because he was afraid of public opinion. Among our own people, in our communities, in our nation and throughout the world, there are secret followers of Jesus and half hearted Christians onlookers who have a noncommittal attitude. Why is it that so many will not commit themselves?
"Joseph of Arimathea was only a secret disciple because of what others would think of him. He would not risk his social position nor the respect of his associates. It is fear that causes men to be noncommittal. They are afraid to declare their loyalty and assume active responsibility. The easy way is to let someone else be the leader and assume the responsibility. The world needs men who are willing to step forward and declare themselves. The world needs men who will lift the load of responsibility to their shoulders and carry it high under the banner of Jesus Christ men who are willing to defend the right openly." (Conference Report, October 1960, Afternoon Meeting 108.)
Teaching Thoughts:
- President Gordon B. Hinckley: [The Atonement of Jesus Christ is] “the miracle that encompasses all who have lived upon the earth, all who now live upon the earth, and all who will yet live upon the earth. Nothing done before or since has so affected mankind as the atonement wrought by Jesus of Nazareth.” (“The Greatest Miracle in Human History,” Ensign, May 1994, 72.)