The Hanging of John Proctor vs. the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ was crucified to save us from our sins. It was not what he wanted but he knew it was what he had to do. “With him they crucified two insurgents, one at his right and one at his left.” (Mark 16:27) There, his body hung on the cross, on a dark and gloomy Friday afternoon. John Proctors was one of many accused of witchcraft in 1692 and he was one of nineteen to be hung. On the inside John knew that all the accusations were false and not one of the women was truly in contact with the devil. When John was accused he had the choice to admit to being a witch, no matter if it was true or not, and save his life or, like the others, say it was all a lie. “I have confessed myself,” he cried, “Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name.” In his heart he knew he could not lie just to spare his life, so in he chose to tell the truth, which meant he would be hung. Jesus Christ and John Proctor were more alike than most people would ever imagine. They were both hung to save other people, both died leaving behind a family yet became legends, and both prayed at the moment of death.
When Jesus chose to die on the cross for us, he knew he would be leaving his mother, Mary, and his 12 apostles behind; in turn, he was saving the lives of thousands Christians by sacrificing himself. When John chose to die, he was saving the life of his wife and others who stood behind him in his beliefs. When it came time for John to confess or deny the use of witchcraft he knew he was loosing his family by making his choice. He cried out to Mr. Danforth and said, “I have three children—how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends?” He may never see his children again, but they would know what an honest and true man their father was. He became a legend in the town of Salem, and would never be forgotten. Both Jesus and John made courageous moves that contributed to how we live our lives today. Because of what Jesus did we as Christians can live freely and not be persecuted for what we believe in. John’s brave sacrifice eventually led to the end of the witchcraft accusations.
Around the time of the crucifixion Jesus became the main focus. People everywhere looked to him; he was like a celebrity. Thousands gathered to watch him hang on that wooden cross and suffer. Some were there because they followed and believed in him and others were there because they wanted to ridicule and scold him. When he died he became a symbol of faith, hope and love. Once John was accused he quickly became the main focus, during the witchcraft trials, and all attention turned towards him. He chose not to lie and die an innocent man and that made him an icon among the people. Thousands also gathered to watch the accused be hung; some mocked and made fun while others cried for the loss of a friend and companion.
As he hung on the cross Jesus uttered a loud cry and said “Father, into your hand’s I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) He knew it was his time to go home to his father in Heaven and his spirit rose up into the sky. When John, Martha and Rebecca were standing in front of the crowd, with ropes around their neck, waiting for their time to go, they began to pray The Lord’s Prayer. ”Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…” and it was over. There bodies hung in air, blowing with the wind. Their bold and courageous spirits were gone; God had called them home.
