The Crucifixion 

Pastor George has taken the past three weeks and taught us God’s Word in the area of families, abortion, and children.   Making godly decisions in the face of political choice.  Today, I want to take a few minutes and look at what John records about the crucifixion of Jesus. John’s perspective varies significantly from the other gospel writers. Understanding what Jesus has accomplished for us, allows us to use our authority in Christ based on God’s Word, rather than on circumstances.

John’s Theology of the Crucifixion 

Jesus’ identity- John 19:16-22

Notice the things John omitted. He didn’t record anything about the two other men who were crucified with Jesus or details about events leading up to the cross. If you had been physically there at the crucifixion, where would you see yourself?  As one of the bystanders, as a disciple, perhaps it was there to comfort Mary?  I trust you see yourself on the cross, as you are in Christ; and your true identity is seeing yourself in Him. The price He paid was on your behalf, for those who receive Him and identify with Him.

John focused on Pilate’s sign that he hung above the cross. Pilate wrote, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Pilate’s statement was a sign from God. Jesus is the promised Messiah. He is the King of the Jews. Pilate delivered the message of Jesus’ true identity. Jesus is King over all creation, and He reigns from His throne in heaven. Think about the significance of the wording of Pilate’s sign.  How much are you allowing Jesus to be your King, rather than only your Savior.

Jesus’ concern- John 19:23-27

At a crucifixion there was 1 centurion and 4 legionnaires. One of the “benefits” of working a crucifixion was that the legionnaires got to split the personal possessions of the one being crucified. There were five articles of clothing: sandals, tunic, turban, robe, and belt. The tunic was seamless, so the men gambled for it instead of tearing it into four pieces. John mentioned that their actions fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy. 

The tunic was a reminder of home. Jesus looked from the soldiers to His mother. Jesus asked John to take Mary as his own. The Greek literally means “John took her into his own things.” In other words, what John had, became hers. As he was facing his own death, Jesus still had concern for his family. This event was a foreshadowing of biblical community. We are to take one another into “our own things.” What does this encounter teach us about biblical community, and being led by Holy Spirit to make a difference in other people’s lives? 

Jesus’ humanity- John 19:28-29

Jesus spoke, “I am thirsty.” There were two drinks at a crucifixion. The first was wine mixed with bitter gall. The gall cut through the raw edge of the pain so the criminal wouldn’t pass out. Jesus declined the first drink (Matthew 27:34). The second was cheap wine mixed with water. This drink relieved thirst and revived the criminal one last time before death. This is the drink Jesus received in 19:29. 

John mentioned that Jesus spoke these words to fulfill scripture. John wanted to make sure the reader understood that Jesus’ death fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies (Psalm 69). 

If Jesus were just God, he would not really suffer; and if he were just man, he would be nothing but a martyr. John included this event to affirm the humanity of Jesus. His entire gospel was written to affirm the divinity of Jesus, but John wanted to make sure no one could claim that Jesus wasn’t fully human as well. Jesus is 100% man and 100% God. Think about the implications for us in Jesus being 100% man and 100% divine.

Jesus’ mission- John 19:30

Jesus’ final words on the cross were “It is finished.” Jesus had come to earth with a divine mission- to provide the way for humans to come back to God. His entire life was a preparation for His saving work on the cross. On the cross He completed His mission. It is finished… Jesus completed His work, a job well done! 

God created the universe in 6 days- then He rested. 

Jesus hung on the cross for 6 hours- then He rested. 

6 is the biblical number of man- after our days we go to heavenly rest. According to Hebrews 4, when we accept the work of the cross and enter a relationship with God, it is called rest. Jesus completed His mission and went to eternal rest. When we die to ourselves and give our hearts to Jesus, we enter eternal rest as well. A relationship with God is known as rest. Why would a relationship with God be defined as “rest?” 

John’s theology- John 19:31-42

John recorded His final two fulfilled prophecies in 19:31-37. John revealed his reason for writing his account of Jesus’ life. He promised that he told the truth so that all who read his book will believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, the two followers of Jesus who were Jewish leaders in the community, came and asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. They took Jesus’ body, prepared it for burial, and laid Him in a new tomb owned by Joseph. Jesus’ death cemented the faith of these two influential men. These two men served as John’s examples of men who witnessed the life and death of Jesus and came to believe that Jesus is the son of God. I’m sure when John wrote his gospel in the late 60’s, these two men were well known as leaders in the early church. John gave their testimonies for faith in Jesus. Why do you think John was so concerned about Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecies? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I believe that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for me! That precious blood removed my sin and continues to make clear my pathway as I renew my mind. Today, I recognize I have been declared righteous before you, God.  Righteousness is both a position and the ability to act with authority on behalf of Jesus. Because of the work which Jesus began on the cross, then defeated satan and finally presented His precious blood to You as He rose from the dead. I have been given the opportunity to allow Jesus to be my substitute as I believe on His work. Therefore, as my substitute, I am redeemed from sin, sickness, pain, and torment. Satan no longer has any right to lay any claim on me! From a heart of thanksgiving, I faithfully serve Jesus the rest of my days!

In Jesus’ name, Amen