EYEWITNESS: Lessons from People Who Saw Jesus Suffer

Who is Jesus? Some of us might define Jesus by our own expectations than by who He truly is, but let's look into seven of those who encountered, witnessed, and responded to Jesus’ suffering, and find the true answer to this life-changing question.

JEWISH LEADERS

The Sanhedrin were powerful Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. They were filled with pride and self-righteousness that they questioned His identity as the Son of God, not to truly know Him but to trap Him. Just like the Jewish leaders, we can rely on our own spirituality and goodness instead of trusting Jesus for salvation.

PILATE

Pontius Pilate himself concluded that Jesus was innocent. But instead of setting Him free, he chose to wash his hands from responsibility and turned Jesus over to Herod (Luke 23:5-6). Pilate chose the path that avoided political conflict and pleased most people. Like Pilate, have we chosen to please people—including ourselves—rather than please God?

HEROD

King Herod wanted to see Jesus. He didn’t believe Jesus was the Saviour and saw Jesus merely as someone who could entertain and perform miracles (Luke 23:10-11). In the same way, we might find ourselves only looking for Jesus to answer our prayers. If we seek Him just for personal gain, then we are treating Him like a wish-granting genie. We are called to follow Jesus and love Him for who He truly is, not just for what He can give.

BARABBAS

Barabbas was a criminal awaiting the death penalty who was freed when Jesus took his place on the cross. Many of us often overlook that we are just as guilty of sin as Barabbas, but Jesus died for our sins once and for all (1 Peter 3:18). This is why we must ask God to open our hearts that we may understand the weight of Jesus' sacrifice for us.

SIMON OF CYRENE

Simon of Cyrene was just another man in the crowd, yet he was called to carry the cross behind Jesus. Like Simon, we might see ourselves as a nobody in a sea of people, but by His grace God invites us to deny ourselves, embrace His mission, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).

DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM

During the walk to His crucifixion, a group of women followed Him and wept for Him. He turned to them, called them “daughters of Jerusalem” as a term of love, and asked them not to weep for Him but for themselves as God’s judgment is coming (Revelation 6:15-17). These women remind us to trust God, live in faith, and prepare our hearts for the future to come.

THE TWO CRIMINALS

Jesus' crucifixion between two thieves was prophesied hundreds of years earlier (Isaiah 53:12), proving that Biblical prophecies are true. Though Jesus was sinless, He died a sinner’s death to pay for our sins.

So, who is Jesus? He is the Son of God! When we experience Jesus in our lives we become His eyewitnesses. His truth transforms and compels us to respond in faith, share the gospel, and lead others to the only hope who brings salvation.