Crucifixion was a horrible method of execution. Invented by the Persians, and later perfected by the Romans, it was designed to be slow, painful, and humiliating. This horrific method of execution was carried out in full view of the public along main roads. It was meant to serve as a deterrent for those who thought of rebelling against the government.

The condemned would be attached to the cross with nails driven through the wrists and the feet. Once that was done, the cross would be raised into place. In a very short time in this position, the condemned would be unable to breathe unless he pushed against the nail in the feet and pulled against the nails in the wrists. Crucifixion took the human will to survive and the human desire to avoid pain and pitted them against one another. Victims of this execution could last multiple days before finally succumbing to death.

Crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals. It was not spoken of in polite society because of its hideous nature. Just the thought of it was terrifying.

As we read the crucifixion narratives in the Gospels, we notice a lot of fear around this event. However, it’s not from whom we would expect it.

There was a lot of fear among the Jewish leaders. This had been going on for quite some time. As the ministry of Jesus gained momentum and as Jesus gained popularity, the ruling class of the Jews were increasingly afraid. John tells us that they were afraid of losing their status.

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” (John 11:45-48)

They were also afraid of the Jewish people who had believed in Jesus. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. (Luke 22:3-6)

There was a lot of fear in Pilate. The Jewish officials brought Jesus to Pilate. Once the Roman governor had questioned Jesus, he could see that there was no reason for his execution. Luke tells us that to avoid having to deal with this issue Pilate sent Jesus to Herod. Herod sent him back to Pilate who continually tried to release him. The Jewish leaders demanded Jesus be crucified, and Pilate gave in to their wishes.

The one in all of this that was not ruled by fear was Jesus, the one facing this horrible death. In the passion narratives we see the disciples scatter, and Peter deny any association with Jesus. We see the Jewish leadership call a late-night trial and attempt to come up with witnesses to justify their desires to get rid of Jesus. We see Pilate attempt to get someone else to deal with the situation, try and persuade the people to call for the release of Jesus, and finally wash his hands to attempt to avoid putting this innocent man to death. Then we see Jesus refusing to answer the false charges, yet confidently responding to his identity as King. Amazing isn’t it. The one we think should be the most terrified is actually the only one who isn’t. Why?

To say that Jesus had no fear or dread of the cross would be to deny his full humanity. But we see that fear conquered in the Garden just prior to his arrest. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. (Luke 22:40-43)

There are a lot of things that cause us fear. Perhaps it is the fear of what the future may hold for us or for our children. Maybe it is the fear of how people will react as we share our faith. It could be that taking a risk for the kingdom of God in some way causes us fear. After all, what if we try and fail?

In these moments of fear, maybe we should look again at Jesus in the Garden and spend some time with him there. It is in the Garden that he communicates with the Father. It is there that he commits to live out his purpose. It is there that he is given strength and comfort to face what is coming.

It is in the Garden, in spending time in God’s presence that we are reminded of our identity as his beloved children and heirs. It is in the Garden, in the presence of God, that we are reminded of our purpose and of the one who is with us in carrying out that purpose. It is in the Garden, in the presence of God that we received strength, comfort, and encouragement to continue. It is in the Garden where we are reminded that because of what Jesus faced for us, we have nothing more to fear.