The Gospel of John: The Crucifixion

The Gospel of John: The Crucifixion

John 19:16b-42

The Crucifixion (v. 16b-27)

•      The soldiers prepare Jesus for execution

–     This included a severe beating (verberatio)

–     And make Him, on the edge of death, carry His own cross beam over 1/3 of a mile

•      Jesus is crucified with two others

–     Lēstai: Insurrectionists (Matt. 27:38; Mark 15:27)

•      Like Barabbas (John 18:40)

•      Pilate orders a sign to be placed over His head, telling of His crime

–     Common practice to act as a warning against such behavior

–     Against which the Jewish leadership takes umbrage

•      The soldiers divide Jesus’ clothes amongst them

–     There were 4 soldiers (Acts 12:4) and 5 garments (robe, tunic, belt, sandals, head covering)

–     Because the tunic was of high quality, rather than tear it, they gamble for it

•      Fulfilling Ps. 22:18

•      The only associates of Jesus’ reported as present are His mother, aunt, Mary Magdalene, and the beloved disciple

–     Probably John himself

•      Who is charged with taking care of Jesus’ mother

 

Jesus’ Death (v. 28-30)

•      Jesus’ death was necessary to accomplish His Father’s will

–     Redeeming God’s people from their sins

•      Once that was accomplished Jesus fulfills one last Scripture by asking for a drink

–     Which is met with vinegar rather than water (Ps. 69:21)

•      Jesus then declares His work finished

–     And dies of His own choosing

 

The Final Blow (v. 31-37)

•      The 2 brigands have their legs broken

–     To ensure that corpses would not be on public display for the Passover

•      But when Jesus is found dead

–     The soldier pierces His side into His heart & lungs to ensure He is really dead

•      Blood & water: May be a ‘sign’ of the life and cleansing that flow from Jesus’ death

•      John states that he is a trustworthy witness to these events

–     As is Scriptures itself

•      Ex. 12:46: Referring to Jesus as the Passover lamb

•      Zech. 12:10: Where God is pierced because of His people’s rebellion

 

 

 

Jesus’ Burial (v. 38-42)

•      Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus get permission to take Jesus’ body

–     Normally a seditionist would not be allowed to be buried, but left to be eaten by birds

•      And they buried Him in a nearby new tomb

 

So What?

•      Jesus died a horrific, painful death, as the King who was still in control to the very end

•      And He did it for us!

•      Do you trust in His death on your behalf?

 

Meditation Verse: John 19:30