It is believed that many thousands were crucified by the Romans during the first century. It is impossible to ascertain exact numbers but one thing is certain, as far as Christians are concerned the death of Jesus by crucifixion was UNIQUE.
Paul wrote, ‘But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ’, Galatians chapter 6 verse 14.
The details John gives us in his Gospel underlines that Jesus’s death on the cross was unique among the thousands of crucifixions that had taken place. He records, ‘So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His Spirit (i.e. He died)’, John chapter 19 verse 30. This was contrary to the laws of nature. The natural order would have been that a man would die and then his head would slump, uncontrollably, forward. John reveals what we do not find out elsewhere in the Gospels. Jesus calmly lays His head on His breast, signifying His work is finished and then lays down His life.
John goes on to reveal another point of interest: ‘But when they (the soldiers) came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out’, John 19 verses 33-34. Once again, this was contrary to the laws of nature. Blood does not flow from a dead person; indeed, it congeals within a short time. John is emphasising to us that a divine work was being carried out.
God had made it clear in Old Testament days, ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make an atonement for your souls’, Leviticus chapter 17 verse 11. The New Testament takes up the theme: ‘And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission’, Hebrews chapter 9 verse 22. Without this unique work and Person there could be no salvation from sin for us.
“It is finished!” yes, indeed, finished every jot: sinner, this is all you need – tell me, is it not?