The corrupt Roman Empire’s Imposition of the death penalty by crucifixion added agony of unimaginable torture to its victim. Archaeological archives contain a human heel bone, pierced by a rusted spike. Typically reserved for rebellious slaves and convicted criminals, selected at the whim of Ceasar’s petty officialdom, the punishment maximized pain, terror and humiliation.

Not only were gladiators killed for the entertainment of a depraved population, there is evidence said to suggest a crucifixion event may have been added to a public blood spectacle that would have added human screams to the menu of debauchery designed for the entertainment of evildoers.

This was the cultural environment and agonizing death that confronted Jesus, the only-begotten Son of God. This death by crucifixion is what Jesus willingly endured in order to keep heaven’s gates open to all humans He had come to save—even those who arranged his illegal conviction and those who drove the spikes through His hands and feet, nailing Him to the cross.

God, the Father in Heaven, must have experienced the excruciating agony of watching His Son die the death of a “criminal” to demonstrate His perfect character of limitless love for the human family He had created in “His own image.”

Ellen White’s Desire of Ages, written more than a century ago, depicts the deep spiritual significance of Christ’s crucifixion, a landmark moment in Planet Earth’s history. Ari Meyers’ artful narration, brings those life-changing words to life, providing hope to a hurting world.