The normal methods of execution among the Jewish people was stoning. Afterward, the dead body was sometimes hung from a tree as part of the disgrace. However, "if a man guilty of capital offense is put to death and his corpse hung on a tree, it shall not remain on the tree overnight." (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)
The Jews felt that this law applied to crucifixion as well. Whether the Romans would normally respect their concern is questionable. Perhaps in the case of Jesus, because of the feast of Passover, the Romans conceded to Jewish sensibilities.
One way of hastening death was to break the victim's legs with wooden clubs so that it was more difficult for him to raise his body upward to draw a breath.
Pilate is concerned about civic unrest. The Jewish leaders are worried about the fine points of religious law. All this while three people are being brutally executed.
One cannot look at a cross without wondering if our concern for human life has moved beyond what it was 2,000 years ago. Executions are still done in many places. Many abortions are motivated by convenience or economics. Terrorism targets human lives as a means to an end. Weapons of mass destruction are spreading from country to country.
Where are you in all this?
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw