Brrr!!! Some ice on the water buckets this morning!!
Yesterday was a roller coaster day- snow and dark in the morning, then bright sunshine in the afternoon, then some rain! Mother Nature is all over the place! Our first snow of the year...
Chapter 19 picks up in the middle of the events form yesterday. Jesus is in the hands of Pilate, Barabbas was set free. Pilate found no charges against Jesus, yet Jesus is sentenced to death. Pilate orders Jesus to be whipped/scourged- a very severe form of punishment from Pilate (who thinks Jesus is innocent). Some theologians comment that Pilate may have ordered the beating, as severe as it was, in hopes that the crowd would be satisfied with that rather than an execution. The whip used in scourging was made of long leather braids and the end of each had bone or stone in it with the intention of inflicting severe pain and bleeding. It was not unusual for criminals to die from this punishment. The humiliation of Jesus continues with the crown of thorns and the purple robe and the mocking "Hail, King of the Jews!"
As Jesus comes out in front of the crowd, Pilate again comments that he sees no guilt in Jesus (v 6). Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd, beaten and humiliated, possibly hoping the crowd would see innocence. In this account, we hear the exact reason why Jesus was condemned by the Jews- not because he was king of the Jews, but because He was the Son of God (v 7). This brings fear to Pilate- did Pilate have a better understanding than the Jews?
Pilate gives Jesus another opportunity to save himself. Jesus says nothing (v 9). Pilate found it difficult that Jesus wouldn't at least try to say something; Jesus doesn't beg for his life as other criminals would have; Jesus doesn't show awe or intimidation to Pilate either. Jesus knows that Pilate has power, but not the same power as Jesus has (v 11).
Pilate really truly believes in Jesus. Pilate had his position only because he was married to the granddaughter of Caesar. If the relationship with Caesar was somehow ruined or stressed, he would lose his job (v 12). The mention of Caesar probably sealed Jesus' fate. Pilate goes to the "Judgement Seat" on an elevated platform called Gabbatha. It was elevated above the court so all people could see the guilty person and hear the verdict.
We come now to a chronology glitch. In John, this judgement is happening on the day of the Passover (synoptic gospels have this even occurring the following day, remember our discussion of the dinner with Jesus and his disciples in John?). John has it happening about noon (the sixth hour); Mark has it happening at the third hour (about 9AM).
Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd and their fury rises to a high. "CRUCIFY HIM!" they shout! I imagine Pilate was wearing down; he has tried several times to release Jesus, but the crowd wouldn't have it. I find it interesting that the crowd wanted Barabbas released (a revolutionist against the empire) and yet they swore their allegiance to Caesar (v 15). Pilate was really the one on trial here! Pilate, fearing for his job (and maybe life- who knows what the crowd would have done), sentences Jesus to crucifixion (v 16).
As per custom, the guards strap the patibulum (the cross piece of the cross) to Jesus' back and parade Him through Jerusalem to Golgotha; the gibbet (the upright of the cross) were permanently fixed at the site of the crucifixions. The Persians "invented" crucifixion about 300BC, but the Romans "perfected" it; it was a form of execution reserve for the worst criminals and the lowest class. Done publicly, is was a very slow and very painful mechanism of death. Three people were scheduled for death- originally Barabbas (now replaced by Jesus) and the two criminals. The people being executed had their crimes written on a placard that was hung from their neck as they walked through town and then hung from the cross where they hung. Jesus' sign was "King of the Jews" (v 19). It was written in all three languages of the time: Aramaic, Greek, Latin...the whole world knew what was going on.
John turns to the witnesses of the crucifixion (v 25) . It is so hard to image how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was feeling right now. She was there to witness pain, suffering, humiliation, and death of her son. No parent should have to go through that. His mother's sister is likely a reference to Salome. "The disciple whom he loved" is probably a humble reference to John (the author). The reference (v 27) "Here is your mother" was an indication for John to take Mary home and care for her as if she were his mother.
The wine was the "refreshments" for the guards as they waited for the criminals to die. It was not wine mixed with myrrh (an analgesic). The guards gave Jesus some of the wine, lifting it to him on hyssop (the plant used to spread the blood of the Passover lamb). "It is finished."
Traditionally, bodies were left on the crosses for two days. However, since it was Passover and the Sabbath, the bodies had to be removed quickly. Breaking legs was a common method to hasten death; with broken legs, the criminal could not lift up enough to take a breath; suffocation happened quickly. Jesus' legs were not broken as he was already dead (v 33). The piercing of the side confirmed death. Most crucified individuals die from ruptured heart and/or congestive heart failure; as their side is pierced, the blood and watery fluid rush out of the side. Interesting side note, "Rock of Ages" (Augustus Toplady) references this moment, "...let the water and the blood, from thy riven side which flowed..."
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were Jesus' two latest "recruits" to the disciple program. Their final role in Jesus' ministry was to remove him from the cross and do a rudimentary preparation for burial. As per Jewish custom, they washed Jesus' body and removed all the foreign materials that had been stuck on him- bone from the whipping, rock and stone fragments from falling, dead flies and other insects. What an impression this must have been for these two men! They wrap Jesus body and place him in a tomb that Joseph of Arimathea had purchased. The Sabbath was coming soon, so they would finish their burial after the Sabbath...or would they!
This was a tough chapter to read and write about. We all know about the crucifixion, but to examine it closely brings it to a different level. We know the results- but they didn't. Try to imagine the horror and pain that the disciples and lovers of Jesus were feeling right now.
Tomorrow we read John's resurrection story!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
Pastor Paul
There is not much to say Jesus is crucified. the culprits High priests, Pharisees etc) got away with what they wanted ---Iesus's death.
ReplyDeleteThere are some differences in John's account vs the other gospels but the outcome is the same. I do not especially recall that Jesus left Mary, his mother, in John's care in the other gospels I wonder why Jesus did this as Mary had other children that could care for her?
AS sad as this is we can see from our hindsight that jesus had to die according the the scriptures exactly as it happened. where were the other disciples John stayed but where were the other 10 ? I do not like reading this part of Jesus life but we know he did it for us. John 3:16 The sacrifice has occured now for the best part coming next Jesus Lives!
Good comments and I agree. We know what is to happen and we know the results of Jesus' crucifixion. There are still feelings, like you say.
DeleteIt is hard and unbelievable!
I think I wrote before how I was involved in A youth group stations of the cross. Every time I watched it I was moved to tears and especially when Jesus meets his mother. I cannot imagine being witness to your sons execution. I also cannot imagine the people in the crowd who cheered them on.
ReplyDeleteI know many Christians have a cross hanging in their home. I have a small one in my bedroom but they make me sad and do not bring me comfort. I hope that doesn't sound Pollyanna.
Mob mentality- we see it all the time. The public is always around for executions- Salem Witch trials, hangings of runaway slaves- even today! Why do we look for that?
DeleteWe have several crosses in our home (its a typical pastor gift, that and Bibles, and photo/pictures with Bible sayings!). I see hope and love when I look at them. It is interesting to note that the crosses in most Catholic churches still have Jesus hanging on it, other denominations do not-- not sure why the difference.
Thanks Cindy
I can't imagine ever having the courage to go through what Jesus went through. Can you imagine how many people died in this way through the years? I wonder how people could be so evil as to do these things to their fellow human beings but it has always been this way, right up to today.
ReplyDeleteI do feel sorry for Mary. Can you imagine when the first miracle happened to her, becoming pregnant as a virgin-- and then watching this miraculous son be crucified? How could she understand? Makes me wonder what happened when Mary died. Did she have faith that her son would save her?
I do not have a cross hanging in my house but I think the point of having one would be to remember how important humility is to a Christian life. To remember how much Jesus suffered for us when we can hardly maintain our Christian lifestyle through our lives. I do have a sign hanging with the words BE STILL AND KNOW. When I stop and look at it, it reminds me that the words of the song are really, Be still and know that I am God. My daughter actually has the words BE STILL AND KNOW tattooed on her arm in small script. We both use those words to try to stop being anxious and remember that God is in charge.
Cathy, I also love the words Be Still and Know that I Am God!!! And I love how you have described it - to remember that God is in charge! Thank you
DeletePeople are always "Excited" about executions! Why??
DeleteGood comment about Mary- and question. What did she know? How was her relationship with Jesus? I will have to do some research!
Hm...great tattoo idea!
John again emphasizes that it is the chief priests and officers who cried out "crucify him, crucify him" - not a crowd of Jews - but officials and chief priests only. We keep asking how Jesus could be glorified when he entered and the cries of "crucify him" in a few days later. But it seems they were NOT the same people; the chief priests and officers did NOT great Jesus with cries of Hosanna and the Jews who did did not cry crucify him - at least as it reads in John! In vs. 15 it says "the chief priests answered, We have no king but Cesar" - again, only the chief priests. In my translation it also says in the last sentence of vs. 15 "And they took Jesus and led Him away" To me, the very saddest sentence in this chapter.
ReplyDeleteI also noted that in John it is Pilate himself that writes "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." And it is also the Jews who ask that the legs of those on the cross be broken. Here is Nicodemus again. All very interesting!
I am thinking that since John was the only one of the apostles there, who witnessed it all, it seems that what John says in his gospel must be the most correct. Although, I do wonder, if no Jew entered the judgement place so they will remain pure, how does anyone know what happened between Jesus and Pilate?
And John took Mary as his mother and she took John as her son - I, like Clara, wonder why Jesus' siblings were not there and did not assume the responsibility of Mary.
My favorite people (besides Jesus, of course) in the Bible have always been David and Peter, but now I think I might have to include John - just because of what he tells us in his gospel.
Good point Donna. In JOhn's story it isn't the crowd, it is the religious authority! They had everything to fear!
DeleteJohn has some interesting points that we miss in the other Gospels.
The Pilate- Jesus conversation is an interesting one- was John hypothesizing?
Not exactly sure why Mary went with John- or is that what John said? Was Jesus saying- keep an eye on her as you know about me?
Good thoughts!
This chapter is probably saddest and the most difficult to read in the New Testament. From Judas’s betrayal to Simone- Peter’s denial, it shows how the disciples have turned on Jesus in his hour of need. I wonder how this bodes for us if and when we happen to be in a similar situation.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t know that Mary, Jesus’s mother was in attendance for the crucifixion. It must be awful for either parent to see a child executed, especially since the crowd (or Jewish leaders – depending on which gospel one is reading) has turned against Jesus. It seems stranger to me that Jesus rides into Jerusalem in triumph at the beginning of the week, only to be shouted down, whipped and crucified at the end of the week. What a horrible week.
I have seen on the news of people being crucified in the Middle East only a few months ago. Apparently, crucifixion is still and accepted means of execution in that part of the world. It is certainly a cruel and unusual form of punishment.
From reading this gospel, it appears that the Passover is on the day following the crucifixion. This explains the reason for them wanting to get the bodies off the crosses so no one would be unclean for the festival. If this were the case, why have the crucifixion the day before? It seems to me that the trial and punishment could be easily postponed until after the Passover, unless Jewish custom dictates otherwise. When was the Last Supper? In the synoptic gospels, is it on the Passover? Was the Last Supper really on Thursday and the crucifixion on Friday? I am afraid that my ignorance of the Bible and of Jewish customs is showing here.
I do remember in the synoptic gospels Jesus crying out to God, “Why have you forsaken me?” or words to that effect. I do remember in this and the other gospels the drink Jesus took of the wine on the hyssop before His death.
Would we deny Jesus? Do we in our actions?
ReplyDeleteIt would be very hard for a parent to witness this. I can't even begin to imagine! I would not want to witness any crucifixion (or any execution for that matter).
Jack- you bring up some interesting time discrepancies between John and the other Gospels. There is so much discussion and commentary on these differences. John's "dinner with the disciples" is not a Passover meal- it is a day or two before; in the synoptics it is a Passover meal. The timing of the crucifixion is different. LOts of differences!
Good comments Jack