Who were present at the crucifixion of Jesus?

The crucifixion of Jesus is one of the central events of the Christian faith, and it is depicted with varying details across the four Gospels. Each account provides insights into who was present at this pivotal moment in history. The presence of certain individuals and groups provides context and depth to the narrative of Jesus’s sacrifice. This article will delve into the people who were present at the crucifixion of Jesus as recorded in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

1. Jesus

First and foremost, Jesus Himself was present at the crucifixion. He was the central figure in this event, fulfilling His mission as the Savior of humanity. His suffering and death were prophesied and were the culmination of His earthly ministry. The crucifixion was not an accident but a divine plan for the redemption of humanity.

Matthew 27:35 (NKJV) records:

“Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.'”

Mark 15:24 (NKJV) provides a similar account:

“And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.”

2. The Roman Soldiers

Roman soldiers were responsible for carrying out the crucifixion. They were the ones who physically nailed Jesus to the cross and executed the order. Their actions, such as dividing His garments and casting lots, were part of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Matthew 27:36 (NKJV) describes their presence:

“Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.”

John 19:23-24 (NKJV) details how they divided Jesus’s clothing and cast lots:

“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,’ that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.’ Therefore the soldiers did these things.”

3. Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was present at the crucifixion. Her presence highlights the personal suffering and devotion of Jesus’s family. As a mother witnessing the death of her son, her experience was profoundly painful and significant.

John 19:25-27 (NKJV) states:

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

Mary’s presence at the cross and Jesus’s provision for her through John underscores the importance of familial and spiritual relationships in the midst of suffering.

4. Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene was another significant figure present at the crucifixion. She was a devoted follower of Jesus who had been delivered from demonic possession and became one of His most loyal supporters.

John 19:25 (NKJV) includes her among those standing near the cross:

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

Mary Magdalene’s presence reflects her unwavering devotion and the role of women in the early Christian community.

5. Mary, the Wife of Clopas

Mary, the wife of Clopas, was another witness to the crucifixion. Her inclusion in the account indicates the presence of a broader circle of Jesus’s followers and family.

John 19:25 (NKJV) mentions her:

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

Her presence adds to the narrative of those who were closely connected to Jesus.

6. The Beloved Disciple (John)

The beloved disciple, traditionally understood to be John, was present at the crucifixion. He is noted for his close relationship with Jesus and his role in taking care of Mary after Jesus’s death.

John 19:26-27 (NKJV) details this:

“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

John’s presence at the crucifixion underscores the deep personal connection between Jesus and His disciples.

7. The Religious Leaders (Chief Priests and Pharisees)

The religious leaders, including chief priests and Pharisees, were also present at the crucifixion. They played a significant role in the events leading up to the crucifixion, having sought Jesus’s death.

Matthew 27:41-43 (NKJV) describes their involvement:

“Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, ‘He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, “I am the Son of God.”'”

Their mockery reflects their rejection of Jesus’s claims and their desire to discredit Him.

8. The Two Criminals

Two criminals were crucified alongside Jesus, one on His right and one on His left. Their presence highlights the nature of Jesus’s death as that of a common criminal, despite His innocence.

Matthew 27:38 (NKJV) records:

“Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.”

Luke 23:39-43 (NKJV) provides a detailed account of their interaction with Jesus:

“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'”

The exchange between Jesus and the repentant thief underscores the theme of forgiveness and salvation, even in the final moments of life.

9. The Crowd

A crowd of onlookers, including some who were curious, hostile, or sympathetic, was also present at the crucifixion. Their reactions ranged from mocking to mourning.

Matthew 27:39-40 (NKJV) describes the crowd’s behavior:

“And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.'”

The crowd’s presence highlights the widespread attention and the diverse reactions to Jesus’s crucifixion.

10. The Centurion

The Roman centurion, who was in charge of the execution, witnessed the events surrounding Jesus’s death and was moved by what he saw.

Matthew 27:54 (NKJV) records his response:

“So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!'”

Mark 15:39 (NKJV) similarly recounts:

“So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this Man was the Son of God!'”

The centurion’s declaration reflects a profound recognition of Jesus’s divine nature in the aftermath of the crucifixion.

11. Joseph of Arimathea

It is reasonable to assume that Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin who was secretly a disciple of Jesus, was among the crowd. For he came forward to request Jesus’s body for burial. His actions demonstrate courage and devotion.

Matthew 27:57-60 (NKJV) recounts:

“Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.”

Mark 15:43 (NKJV) describes him as “a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the Kingdom of God.”

12. Nicodemus

It is reasonable to assume that Nicodemus, another secret disciple of Jesus, was also among the crowd. For he joined Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus’s body for burial. He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to anoint the body, demonstrating respect and honor.

John 19:39-40 (NKJV) states:

“And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.”

Conclusion

The crucifixion of Jesus involved a diverse group of individuals, each contributing to the profound narrative of His sacrificial death. From Jesus Himself, to His devoted followers, the Roman soldiers, and the religious leaders, the scene of the crucifixion encapsulates a pivotal moment in Christian history. Each person’s presence and actions at the crucifixion contribute to the richness of the biblical account, revealing the depth of Jesus’s sacrifice and the various reactions to it. Through these accounts, believers gain insight into the significance of the crucifixion and the fulfillment of prophetic Scriptures, underscoring the centrality of this event in the Christian faith.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team