SUPPOSE YOU HAD SEEN THE
CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS
John 19:1-42
INTRO: When Jesus was crucified, hundreds of people were in Jerusalem for the Jewish Passover. Many people witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. Would you like to hear a report from an eye-witness? John reported the crucifixion in a narrative manner. Yet, in the narrative, one can detect some great implications. Let’s listen to John’s report and detect his insights.
I. AN INSIGHT OF WILLINGNESS (vv. 1-18).
John narrated the story of the crucifixion with simplicity. Pilate ordered Jesus scourged. Afterwards, soldiers put a purple robe on Him and mocked Him. The crowd shouted to Pilate, “Crucify Him!” Jesus carried the cross to Golgotha, and He was crucified.
Pilate did not want to crucify Jesus, but he did so to keep his job. He was blackmailed by the Jews. He had a bad record of governorship (see Barclay).
From the narrative, we can see the willingness of Jesus. He did not allow His life to be taken. No, He willingly laid down His life. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. Jesus gave His life of His own will. He could have called ten thousand angels.
II. THE INSIGHT ABOUT KINGSHIP (vv. 19-22).
In Roman crucifixion, the authorities put the name of the criminal and the crime on the cross. The crime Pilate affixed to Jesus’ cross was “King of the Jews.” The Jews rebelled. Even a pagan gave the right name. Jesus was a King. He ruled over the world. John saw the inscription as a parable of Jesus’ kingship.
III. THE INSIGHT ABOUT COMPASSION (vv. 23-27).
When Jesus hung on the cross, He wanted John to take care of His mother. The dying hours of Jesus represented His sentiments for people. Jesus loves everyone, and He desires to help them with their various needs.
IV. THE INSIGHT ABOUT THE DIVINE-HUMAN JESUS (vv. 28-42).
John’s witness of the crucifixion was unique. He told about Jesus’ thirst, His word of victory (“It is finished”), His death, and His burial. These events are a mingling of divinity and humanity. Truly, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1: 14). The God-man died on the cross.
CONC: Would you read John 19 and see again the crucifixion? It is an account of one who was there. It can be your experience to see meanings from such a cruel crucifixion.
