What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Unfortunately there are interpreters who claim that Christ only carried a beam, a post to the execution, because the cross as such would have been too heavy for a man to drag or carry to the execution. Ellen White describes in her writings that the Romans let the condemned carry the whole cross to the execution."
Answer
Ellen White explicitly states in her texts that Jesus had to carry the entire heavy cross on his shoulders, which had originally been prepared for Barabbas. Although he collapsed multiple times under the load due to the preceding scourging and exhaustion, the cross remained the instrument he was to bear until Simon of Cyrene was forced to take over this task. The documents emphasize the enormous weight of this burden, which ultimately brought the human nature of Jesus to its limits.
The Burden of the Cross on the Way to Golgotha
As soon as Jesus passed through the gate of Pilate’s house, the cross that had been prepared for Barabbas was brought forward and laid upon his bruised and bleeding shoulders. The companions of Barabbas, who were to die at the same time as Jesus, were also laid on crosses. The Savior carried his load only a few meters when, as a result of blood loss as well as extreme fatigue and pain, he fell unconscious to the ground.
When Jesus came to himself again, the cross was placed on his shoulders once more and he was driven forward. He staggered a few steps further, bearing his heavy load, and then fell lifeless to the ground. ... The priests and councilors felt no compassion for their suffering victim; but they saw that it was impossible for him to continue carrying the instrument of torture.
The Son of God was handed over to the people to be crucified... The heavy burden of the cross, to which he would soon be nailed, was laid upon him. Jesus collapsed under the load. Three times the cross was placed on his shoulders, and three times he became unconscious. One of his followers ... was seized next. The cross was laid upon him, and he carried it to the place of death.
Among the Romans a scourging preceded the crucifixion, undoubtedly to hasten the impending death. The victim then carried his own cross, or at least the upright beam, to the place of execution. ... When he was nailed to the cross, he was offered, at least in Judea, a narcotic drink to alleviate the torments.
But when after the second scourging the cross was laid upon him, the human nature could no longer endure. He fell unconscious under the load.
- Jesus carries the cross
- Simon of Cyrene crucifixion
- Weight of Christ’s burden
Original Sources (English)
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