The Crucifixion (John 19:16–37)
With Jesus';s trial finished, it was now time for his appointment with the cross. John tells us that Jesus was led away to a place called Golgotha, or Skull Hill, where he was crucified, or nailed by the hands and feet to a cross made of wood — a common as well as shockingly brutal form of capital punishment in the Roman world of that time.
The four Gospels'; accounts of Jesus';s death record him saying different final words. John';s account tells us that he said “It is finished!” before he died, while the Matthew and Mark versions record him praying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Luke tells us that his last words were “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
All four Gospels tell us some of what happened at the Crucifixion scene, with some leaving out what others omit (and vice versa). As you study this passage of John';s gospel, it';s a good idea to also take a peek at what the other three writers had to say about this scene. When you do that, you will see the complete picture of the most profound act of love in all of human history.
Also notice that John several times points out that events at the Crucifixion scene were direct and specific fulfillments of Old Testament Scripture concerning the Messiah. For example, John 19:23–24 tells us that the soldiers'; dividing and throwing of dice for Jesus';s clothing fulfilled a prophecy from Psalm 22:28. That was just the first of several of John';s references to fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies.
John 19:28–30 tells us that Jesus died only after he was offered a sour wine-soaked sponge to quench his thirst. His last words in this passage: “It is finished!”
Study Questions
Look up the Crucifixion accounts in Matthew 27.:35–50, Mark 15:25–37., and Luke 23:22–4:6. What do the words Jesus spoke while on the cross say to you personally?
What is the importance to your own spiritual life of the fact that Jesus';s crucifixion fulfills so many Old Testament prophecies?
