Fr. M. Titus Mohan –
The first Christians did not begin their message with the life of Jesus, but with his death and resurrection. St. Peter, on the day of Pentecost, declared that Jesus who was crucified is now Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:36). St. Paul preached the same message: Christ died, was buried, and rose again (1Cor 15:3-4). Even the Gospels follow this focus. They present the life of Jesus in the light of his suffering and death. For this reason, they are often described as “Passion narratives with a long introduction.” This shows that the death of Jesus is not a side story. It is the starting point of Christian faith.
A Difficult Truth to Accept
The cross has always been difficult to understand. It remains a “scandal” for many even today. It is not easy to accept that someone who died in humiliation could be the Savior. In some traditions, this idea appears even more challenging. In Buddhist thought, the suffering image of Jesus stands in contrast to the calm and peaceful image associated with Gautama Buddha. In Islam, the Quran teaches that Jesus was not truly crucified but was raised by God. Across cultures and religions, the cross raises questions.
Yet Christians have never hidden this reality. In the Creed, they continue to profess that Jesus “was crucified under Pontius Pilate.” The cross is not avoided or softened. It is remembered clearly and openly. Unlike many historical figures whose deaths are simply recorded, the death of Jesus is constantly recalled and reflected upon. The crucified Christ remains central in Christian faith and worship. This shows how important the cross is to believers.
A Historical Event
From a historical point of view, the death of Jesus is widely accepted as a real event, usually dated around 30 AD. It is not only described in the Gospels but also mentioned by non-Christian sources. The Roman historian Tacitus records that Jesus was executed under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. Suetonius refers to disturbances linked to “Christ.” The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus confirms that Jesus was condemned to the cross. These independent accounts support what the Gospels say. They show that the crucifixion is not just a belief, but a historical reality. At the same time, the Gospels are more than simple reports. They are testimonies of faith. They were written after the message of Jesus had already begun to spread. Their purpose is not only to describe what happened, but to explain why it matters.
Each Gospel presents the story in its own way. Mark gives a direct and powerful account. Matthew highlights the fulfilment of Scripture. Luke stresses the innocence of Jesus and calls people to follow him. John presents the cross as a moment of glory, revealing God’s love.
The Final Hours
The events leading to the crucifixion begin in Gethsemane. Jesus is arrested by authorities sent from the Jewish council. He is brought before the high priest Caiaphas and accused of blasphemy for claiming to be the Messiah and Son of God. Since the Jewish leaders could not carry out execution, Jesus is handed over to the Roman governor. Before Pilate, the accusation becomes political. Jesus is presented as a threat, a “King of the Jews.” Pilate finds no serious fault in him and tries to release him. But under pressure from the crowd, he finally gives the order for crucifixion.
Before the execution, Jesus is flogged. He is mocked and treated as a false king. Then he is forced to carry the crossbeam to Golgotha. Along the way, Simon of Cyrene is made to help him. Crucifixion was one of the harshest forms of punishment used by the Romans. The victim was nailed to a cross and left to die slowly, often in severe pain and exhaustion. After hours of suffering, Jesus cried out and died.
Faith Rooted in Reality
Both historical sources and Gospel accounts point to the same conclusion. Jesus truly died on the cross. The Gospels present this event with deep meaning, but they are rooted in a real moment in history. This is why the cross remains at the centre of Christian faith. It is not only a symbol. It is an event that changed history. For believers, the question is not only whether Jesus died, but what that death means. The cross speaks of sacrifice, love, and hope. It invites reflection, not only on the past, but on life today. In the end, the death of Jesus is not the end of the story. It opens the way to resurrection. And that is why the message of the cross continues to be told, remembered, and lived.
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Fr. M. Titus Mohan, a priest of the Diocese of Kuzhithurai in South India, has authored more than 50 books and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Moral Theology in Milan.