John 19

Summary

 

This chapter marks the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, detailing the events of his crucifixion and burial. It underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, the significance of Jesus' sacrificial death, and the roles of various individuals in the final moments of his life.

 

1. Pilate Sentences Jesus to Be Crucified (John 19:1-16): Pilate, despite finding no guilt in Jesus, succumbs to pressure from the crowd and orders Jesus to be flogged and then crucified. The soldiers mock Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head and a purple robe, and Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd, saying, "Behold the man!" The religious leaders, however, insist on crucifying Jesus because he claimed to be the Son of God, making himself equal to God.
2. The Crucifixion (John 19:17-30): Jesus is led to Golgotha, where he is crucified between two criminals. Pilate places a sign on the cross that reads, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Jesus' mother, Mary, and the disciple John are present. Jesus speaks his famous words, "It is finished," and then he bows his head and dies. A soldier pierces his side with a spear.
3. Jesus' Burial (John 19:31-42): Because the next day is a Sabbath, the Jews request that the legs of the crucified be broken to hasten death. However, Jesus is already dead, and a soldier pierces his side. Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, obtains permission to take Jesus' body. Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes, and they bury Jesus in a nearby tomb.

 

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