John 19:16b-42
The Cross: Its Words
- “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” Luke 23:34
- “Today you will be with me in paradise” Luke 23:43
- “Dear woman, here is your son” John 19:25-27 (Contrast Luke 14:26)
- “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” Matt 27:46, Mark 15:34 (Compare Psalm 22)
I think of this statement of Jesus on the cross as recollecting the psalm. When you look at the entire psalm you find that the situation isn't as bleak as the start of the passage seems to indicate.
We use a similar poetic device today when we quote the first lines of songs. For instance, are you familiar with what these songs are and what they mean (even vaguely)?
- “What can wash away my sin?” ….
- “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound-dog…”
- “Oh, say can you see?”
This thought doesn't diminsh the idea that Jesus bore our sins and therefore was seperated from God. This is clear from reading 1 Peter 2:24 among other passages.
- “I am thirsty” John 19:28 (Reveals Jesus' humanity yet again)
- “It is finished” John 19:30
- “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” Luke 23:46
What statement means the most to you and why?
The Cross: Its Witnesses
- Simon of Cyrene (sort of a witness) Matt 27:32; Mark 15:21,32; Luke 23:26
- The Thieves (one forgiven, one condemned) Matt 27:44; Mark 15:27; Luke 23:32-33, 40-43; John 19:18
- Passers-by (mocking) Matt 27:39-40; Mark 15:29-30;
- The Rulers (mocking) Matt 27:41-42; Mark 15:31-32; Luke 23:35
- Mary, Mary’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas & Mary Magdelene & The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved Mark 15:40-41,47; John 19:25-27
Notice the prominence of women at the cross. Notice also the loyalty of John. Where were the rest of the Apostles and disciples?
- The Soldiers (so close to the cross, but missing it entirely) Mark 15:21-24; John 19:16b,23-24
Related Prophecies:
- The Centurion (believed because of the cross alone – no other teaching necessary) Matt 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47
- Joseph & Nicodemus (risked everything in loving Jesus, royal treatment) Matt 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:38-40
Turned out these two loved Jesus more than religion at great risk to their personal position, power and influence. They didn’t let religion come between them and the Savior.Which of these witnesses are you most like and why?
