John Chapter 19
The crucifixion account recorded by John includes not just one, but several Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled. And of course, more prophecies were fulfilled with the resurrection of our Lord. Pilate declared that he found no fault in Him but giving in to the demands of the Jews he sent Jesus to experience horrendous torture and then had him crucified as a criminal.
Pilate started with flogging Jesus. This horrible torture of being whipped with a whip of many leather strands each having sharp pieces of bone or metal tied to the ends, was meant to punish and to force a confession from the prisoner. Prisoners often died from this torture. If they didn’t die from it, it certainly weakened them greatly. Jesus survived the flogging and then they crushed a crown of thorns onto His head and then they struck Him.
With blood dripping down His face, and His back, He was brought in front of the Jews once more with a purple robe, the color of royalty placed upon Him. But the blood thirsty crowd that had once followed Jesus asking for a sign, now cried out to “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Let's Reflect
1. A third time Pilate declared that he found no fault in Jesus and told the Jews to crucify Him themselves. What was their response to Pilate?
2. When Pilate learned that Jesus had called Himself the Son of God, he was more afraid. Pilate saw something in the man, Jesus, that made him believe that He was divine. He took Jesus back into his quarters to question him. What question did he ask Jesus and what answer did he get?
3. Pilate was amazed that Jesus did not seem to care about his position of power. Who did Jesus say held the greater authority and power?
4. Jesus stated that the man with the greater sin was the one who handed Him over to Pilate. Who do you think Jesus was referring to?
5. Pilate wanted to release Jesus but the words of the Jews, found in verse 12 made a difference in his mind. What had they said that ultimately led to his decision?
6. Pilate declared Jesus to be the King of the Jews, and he even wrote this as a sign that was put on the cross, but what was their response to this declaration?
7. Slated to die that day were two criminals and perhaps a third, Barabbas. Jesus took the place of Barabbas. Pilate wrote an inscription that was nailed to the cross that said, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” This phrase was written in three different languages. What were the three languages?
“This is also an unknowing prophecy of how the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and reigning as King would be published to every nation and language, that it was from the beginning intended as a global message.” [Guzik]
8. The soldiers cast lots for the garments of Jesus. This fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 22:18 As our Savior died, men carelessly played a game to see who would win His garment. Why did they say they wanted it?
9. Women were at the scene of the cross, one of these ladies was His mother. What did Jesus do for Mary?
10. Jesus was thirsty. They offered Him a sponge filled with sour wine attached to hyssop branch. Hyssop was the same plant that was used as a paintbrush to paint the doorposts of the Israelites’ homes with blood in Egypt so that the angel of death would pass over their homes. What did Jesus say when He received the sour wine?
11. What was done with the body of Jesus?
12. What day of the week was it when Jesus died? See verse 42.
Devotionals
