TITLE: THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS SCRIPTURE: John 19:17-30

BIG IDEA: If any of us ever wants to fully understand the extent of God’s love for us, we need not look any further than the cross of Christ. In this passage we see the wounds of Jesus, and as believers we understand that these wounds are intended for us. We see His suffering and recognize that it is our sin being paid. The world may look at this picture of Jesus and see someone mocked, beaten, and defeated, yet in reality, this is the pinnacle of history. It’s the moment where sacrificial love is most clearly demonstrated and where the weight of Christ’s divine power is most firmly felt.

1. THE CRUCIFIXION – READ John 19:17-27 CONTEXT: This account of the crucifixion is the shortest of the four accounts, and the detail that John gives is unique to his Gospel alone. John records the crucifixion, so we might know that Jesus really did suffer, He really did die, and He really did rise again to be our King. John contrasts two groups of people who are observing the death of Christ; the soldiers and the women. On one hand, we see soldiers seeking the spoils of Jesus’ death, or in their mind, His only remaining value. On the other hand, we see a group that loves and cherishes Christ and sticks with Him even though the risk is great.

A. Do you think it could ever be dangerous for us to become too familiar with the cross? How might you explain the need for the crucifixion to someone who has never heard the gospel? B. Why did the Jewish religious leaders not want the sign posted on the cross to say, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews?” Have you ever been tempted to separate yourself from being identified with Christ? If so, how? C. What two groups does John mention in his crucifixion account, and how do they interact with Jesus? Why might John be describing their posture towards Jesus?

2. THE DEATH OF CHRIST – READ John 19:28-30; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18 CONTEXT: John illustrates the death of Christ as a somber but overcoming moment. He includes moments in the crucifixion of Jesus that were fulfillments of Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah. Jesus Himself had said this day was coming, and the point is well made; no part of Jesus’ life was a mistake. Even the final acts of His life were fulfilling promises made to God’s people. Likewise, the last words of Jesus ring of a completion of all that Christ had come to accomplish. Payment for sin has been made in full!

A. For the second time in this passage, we see the phrase, “to fulfill the Scriptures” (v. 24, v. 28). Why does John use these words? B. What should allow us, as believers in Christ, to read this difficult passage with joy? Why is this good news? C. What is it that Jesus was referring to when He said, “It is finished?” Why did Brad say, “Jesus had to die,” and what did His death achieve?

PRAYER & ACTION

A. PRAYER: Pray and ask the Lord to remind you of the weightiness and importance of Jesus’ crucifixion. Ask that God give you the strength to follow Christ and cherish Him faithfully, even in the worst of circumstances. B. ACTION: As you go about your life this week, make a mental note of how many crosses you see around us. Each time you see one on the road, on a sign, or on a bumper sticker, offer up a quick prayer of thanksgiving to God, remembering that it’s Christ’s work on the cross that has redeemed us.