JESUS CRUCIFIED OUTSIDE JERUSALEM - What is the meaning behind Jesus being crucified outside Jerusalem? - The Book of Hebrews was originally written to Jewish believers who were tempted to abandon their Christian faith and return to Judaism and the Temple. The author seems to be encouraging his readers to share Christ’s humiliation and rejection by the Jewish community. This is symbolized by their going “outside” the Jewish community and sharing in Christ’s sufferings. As one commentator puts it, “In essence, the author’s command to ‘go forth to’ Christ was a command to abandon Judaism. Anyone found with Christ — outside of the city gate — would be considered outside the Jewish community.”

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Jesus Crucified Outside Jerusalem

What is the meaning behind Jesus being crucified outside Jerusalem?

Michael Gleghorn

There is an interesting passage in Hebrews 13:10-14 which speaks of Jesus suffering “outside the gate” of Jerusalem.

Since this letter was originally written to Jewish believers who were tempted to abandon their Christian faith and return to Judaism and the Temple, the author seems to be encouraging his readers to share Christ’s humiliation and rejection by the Jewish community.

This is symbolized by their going “outside” the Jewish community and sharing in Christ’s sufferings.

As one commentator puts it, “In essence, the author’s command to ‘go forth to’ Christ was a command to abandon Judaism. Anyone found with Christ — outside of the city gate — would be considered outside the Jewish community.”

Shalom,

Michael Gleghorn
Probe Ministries

Dr. Michael Gleghorn is a research associate with Probe Ministries. He earned a B.A. in psychology from Baylor University, a Th.M. in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Theological Studies (also from Dallas Theological Seminary). Before coming on staff with Probe, Michael taught history and theology at Christway Academy in Duncanville, Texas. Michael and his wife Hannah have two children: Arianna and Josiah. As a family, they attend Frisco Bible Church, where Michael and Hannah are involved in various ministries. His personal website is michaelgleghorn.com.

https://probe.org/why-was-jesus-crucified-outside-jerusalem/

Hebrews 13:10-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁰ We have an altar from which those who serve the tent^[a] have no right to eat. 

¹¹ For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 

¹² So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 

¹³ Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. ¹⁴ For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Footnotes:

a.             Hebrews 13:10 Or tabernacle

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A10-14&version=ESV