1. Those who participated (21-27)

Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus' heavy cross. Perhaps this was the turning point of his and his sons' lives. Jesus refused the pain-relieving drug. He would not take the easy way. The soldiers who were assigned to the execution detail were hardened men, unmoved by human suffering. They were only interested in what they could get. But Jesus died for them, too. He was crucified between two robbers (Isa 53:12). The charge written above his head was ironically true--'The King of the Jews.' He is indeed the eternal King.

2. He saved others; he couldn't save himself (28-32)

The passers-by mocked him. The chief priests mocked him. They did not know that they spoke words of eternal, unchanging truth. The temple of his body they destroyed, but God raised him up in three days. He saved others, but he did not save himself. He did not save himself because he died to save me.

Application: Lord, thank you for saving me. How can I repay the debt I owe?
One Word: Jesus loves me, this I know