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
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