Tag: John 19
The Truth of Jesus’ death!
Scripture reading for May 1: John 19
“Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth–that you may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.” And another Scripture says, “They will look on Him Whom they have pierced.” John 19:31-37
One of the foundational truths of the Christian faith is that Jesus was the Son of God. This record of John is written to help us believe that Jesus Christ really did die. He willingly gave up his spirit after finishing His suffering for our sins. His last act was to declare His thirst, and the cup of sour wine was offered. After He completed that final act, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” Everything necessary for our salvation had been accomplished. He gave up His spirit at that point. This would be three in the afternoon preceding the Sabbath of Passover week, a Holy High day that would start at sundown.
To prepare for Sabbath, the Jews wanted the crucified bodies removed before sundown. They appealed to Pilate who then dispatched soldiers to break the legs of the criminals and Jesus to insure a quick death. Often, crucified individuals could hang there for several days before death by using their legs to help breath. Both other crucified men had their leg bones broken, but Jesus was already gone. The soldiers, wanting to be sure of death, pierced Jesus’ side, puncturing the heart and sack of fluid around it. In doing both of these acts, Roman soldiers who did not know the Scriptures, fulfilled the Word of God!
How does this very detailed account of Jesus’ death on the cross and the events afterwards help your world view concerning Jesus? Who do you think was the one who reported these things that we might believe? Have you chosen to believe yet?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing account of the details of the death of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Scripture is amazing in that it reveals Truth and details that help those of us who doubt to believe. Help those who may be reading this account to open their hearts to Jesus Christ, Son of God. Amen.
“It is Finished!”
Scripture reading for May 2nd: John 19
Key Scriptures for over-comers: John 19:28-30 “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”
Jesus had been on the cross for about six hours, the last three in darkness that had come over the land. His body was dehydrated but He was fully conscious and knew that His work was done. He knew that nearly everything in Scripture had been fulfilled concerning His life and sacrificial death. The one thing remaining was the wine vinegar! (Psalm 69:21) He cried out that He was thirsty, and the drink was provided. One last bitter drink, and the cup of suffering for our sins was complete! Jesus last words, “It is finished!”, were a cry of victory in completing the suffering and death necessary for salvation!
Observations for over-comers: Because Jesus fulfilled Scripture and completed the work of salvation, over-comers can rest in that work and live a life of thankful service and look forward to the King’s return in power and glory! “Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s Right Hand is lifted high; the Lord’s Right Hand has done mighty things!” “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” (Psalm 118:15-17) (Psalm that was likely sung as they left the upper room for the Garden of Gethsemane.)
“It is Finished!”
Scripture reading for May 1st: John 19
After being severely flogged and crowned by the soldiers with a crown of thorns, Jesus was made to carry His cross until He could no longer. He was mocked as the “King of the Jews”! Jesus was crucified on Passover morning at 9:00, just as the Passover lambs were being sacrificed. He was the One John the Baptist had identified prophetically as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Over His cross, Pilate had the soldiers fasten this notice: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19) The religious leaders pleaded with Pilate to remove the notice, but he refused! Around the cross, the soldiers gambled for His garments that had been removed. This fulfilled Scripture written about a thousand years earlier by King David. (Psalm 22:18)
Also near the cross was His mother Mary and the two other Mary’s. “When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved (John) standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:25-27) Even in agony and near death, Jesus was thoughtful of others and showed His love!
“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished!” With that He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:28-30) Jesus’ last cry was a shout of triumph! Everything necessary for the salvation of mankind was complete!