Crucified?

Are families being crucified by petrol prices? I don't think so!
Robert Halfon, a well-meaning MP, trying to highlight an economic problem faced by all who fill up at the pumps, described the discomfort we experience because of high prices as being crucified! I think he chose the wrong word.
I hope he discovers the folly of his inflammatory language soon. So what does it mean to be crucified?
When the New Testament refers to crucifixion, it is not being emotive or inflammatory. Jesus was really and properly crucified, and he called his followers to be those ready to 'take up their cross' as they lived their lives. 'Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.' (Luke 9.23)
Jesus calls his followers to put to death their self-centred way of life - submit to be crucified - in order that we may live new lives, for Him.
This metaphor is not just a form of words, but reflects a deep reality. Thus, St. Paul, writing to his friends in the churches in the area of Galatia, tells them, 'As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.' (Galatians 6.14)
The question remains whether as Jesus' followers, we take seriously our call to face metaphorical crucifixion - to be mocked and jeered at, to be different from the crowd, to be like Jesus. That would be the right use of language.
Best wishes,
Richard