The Gospel of John Lesson 84 (08-17-14) John 19:18

The Gospel of John Lesson 84 (08-17-14)

Lesson 84 – John 19:18

Jesus arrives at Golgotha and is now nailed to a cross and is crucified between two thieves. When looking at the Cross we are often found taking a somewhat mechanical or chronological approach to the events that happened that day wanting to put all of the events and details of that day in some kind of systematic or chronological order. Doing so gives us what we think is more of a full picture of what happened that day.

Although this approach is not only helpful but necessary to understand the work of the Cross, it is not how the Gospel writers chose to give their description of what happened that day. In looking at their accounts some of them seemed to give more details than others and none of them seemed to put all of the details in chronological order. It is like when giving their accounts they were shooting from the hip, so to speak, not always concerned so much about the order of the events as much as being concerned about capturing and relaying the heart of what happened on that day.

When looking at the Cross a good starting place to really begin to know what happened or went on that day is to begin with Jesus and what was happening between Him and the Father. Most who were there that day were looking at the external events; however, as important as those offenses that were committed against our Lord that day were, there was more to the Cross then just those external events.

We will never know all that went on that day on the Cross. Much of it was personal, worked out between Jesus and the Father. While those who were there that day were watching the drama of the external events that was unfolding what was being missed by most was the actual purpose of the events that were happening. As often happens, the drama of the moment often hides what really happened.

Some there that day got it, however, but they were few. One of them was the thief on the Cross. At first even He missed it. Initially when first hung on his cross alongside of Jesus he was found casting dispersions upon Jesus along with the other thief and those present, finding fault in what he thought was Jesus’ inability to not live up to His claims.

The daughters of Jerusalem found in Luke chapter 23 also missed what was actually happening because of the external drama of the moment and the crowd as Jesus was passing them carrying His cross. They looked at Jesus’ physical position and situation and assumed the wrong thing. They had assumed that Jesus did not measure up to their expectation of Him being the Promised Messiah and King. They had expected a King and found Jesus to be out of their expected character being beaten and bruised and eventually hung on a cross of offense. Not the way that they had pictured their Savior.

However, what they there that day had missed was the reality of what was actually happening at that moment on that cross. Again what they saw was a supposed or would be king in no position to resemble that possibility. What they missed was the work of a true Savior that was being worked out between Jesus and the Father in the midst of these external events. Much like the daughters of Jerusalem that missed the reality of what Jesus was really doing in that moment, so to, those present at this moment while Jesus hung on the Cross were preoccupied by how things looked missing the reality of what was actually happening.

So what was happening at that moment on the Cross? We may never know the full story. However, God does give us a more personal and intimate look at the behind the scenes of the Cross in some of the prophetic passages of the Old Testament.

For a more personal look at what actually transpired that day one might take a look, for instance, at Psalm 22. In this Psalm we find a more personal look at what was going on between Jesus and the Father on the Cross. While others were looking at Jesus in His pitiful state bleeding on the Cross, Jesus was working out our salvation with the Father.

The 22^nd Psalm gives us an insight as to the dialog He was having with the Father. In Psalm 22:1-2 Jesus speaks of His being abandon by the Father because of our sins. Jesus had never known separation from the Father before. In Ps. 22:1 Jesus asks Him why He is so far from Him and why He does not come to His rescue. This verse is in direct correlation with Matthew’s account found in Mt. 27:46 Jesus asking “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me”.

V. 2 tells us that God did not answer Him when He called on Him. On the Cross we hear Jesus cry out, “My God, my God why has Thou forsaken me and V. 2 continues by saying that His soul found no rest. This verse correlates with Mt. 27:45 describing the periods of light and darkness while on the Cross.

In Psalm 22 verses 3-5 we find an example of Jesus praising the Father even in the midst of shame and physical torture. Even yet His Hope is sure. He is confident of it because His trust is in the Father.

In vs. 6-8 we see Him describe His situation calling and longing for relief and help. Verses 6-13 correlate with Matthew’s account in Mt. 27:39-44. In v. 9 Jesus reminds the Father not to forget that He was the one that birthed Him and in v. 10 that He is totally dependent on Him. In v. 11 He reminds the Father that He is His only hope.

In vs. 12 and 13 Jesus describes His place and position and that it is a dangerous one and that even though it is extremely dangerous that He is unable to defend Himself being completely and fully at the mercy of those around him. He also reminds the Father that those around Him are indeed strong while He is totally vulnerable. At this point Jesus is in no position to physically deal with those in front of Him that have the strength and determination of a ravenous lion, v. 13. Jesus sees what is before Him and can do nothing about it.

In vs. 14-5 He describes His spirit that it is all poured out and that there is nothing left. He is near unto death. All of His bones are out of joint and His heart is like wax that is pliable and can go in any direction of the emotions eventually melting being totally void of life. He is on impulse power, barely alive. His will does not drive His heart at this point. His heart is driven by emotions.

All of His strength is dried up like a broken pot that is unable to hold any water, v. 15. His spirit and body are so dry that His tongue now sticks to His mouth. If it wasn’t for the Cross He would have dropped to the ground by now due to total and complete physical exhaustion. He gives up and waits for God to lay Him on the ground waiting for the dust to consume Him.

V. 16 Even at this late stage, being completely vulnerable He realizes that He is surrounded by the wicked that are looking to do Him harm. They have pierced His hands and feet. V. 17 Because of His pain He can feel every bone in His body and because of His pain could count every bone in His body if He but had the energy.

His oppressors stand not only in front of Him, but over Him. They stare and gloat with intimidating looks. V. 18 there is nothing left. They take His garments and cloths from Him dividing them among them. Even Christ’s modesty is damaged. V. 18 is a clear prophetic passage referring to the casting of lots for a piece of His clothing.

Vs. 19-21, His last request that the Father come quickly to His aid and deliver Him from His adversaries and the forces of darkness that surround Him.

Vs. 22-4 Even when it appears that all is lost and He is at the end He is assured of the Father’s love and faithfulness, even in death. In v. 22 He proclaims that He will testify Himself being alive to His brothers of the Father’s faithfulness referring to His resurrection.

Others had the same hope that death could not separate them from God’s promise. Abraham was one of them believing that God would raise Isaac from the dead if necessary. However, unlike Abraham and Isaac Jesus knew that He would die. But, at the same time He was assured that He would personally testify of the faithfulness of the Father to His brothers being the first to rise from the dead. He encourages others in v. 23 to follow His example and not give up hope placing their hope in the Father and the resurrection.

In v. 25 He proclaims that the praise that He gives He has received from the Father and in v. 26 He encourages those that are afflicted to trust and remain faithful for the Lord will save His own.

In vs. 27-8 Jesus is assured a victory…even now when things look so grim. He proclaims in the end what He is doing will in the end affect and overcome the entire earth turning them toward the Lord. He proclaims that all families of the nations will worship before Him and He shall rule the nations.

V. 29 may refer to the kings and prominent that will come and sup with the Lord during the Millennium. Even those dead and in the dust will come forward and bow before Him. All are dependent upon this One that hangs before them that at present looks so helpless.

At the end of the chapter in v. 31 the Psalmist reminds us that this One that is hanging on the Cross that looks so helpless and so pitiful, ripped and torn with the Life squeezed out of Him is indeed the Victor and the One that has done this. Most of them there that day, at least at that time, missed this. But, we know that one did not. The thief right next to Him got it. He saw what was happening and placed his faith in the One next to him that looked so helpless.

In the end Jesus cries out to the Father and to them there like He did to the Daughters of Jerusalem that were unaware of what was really happening. In seeing the blindness of those that were there, and, for all that would look on this account thereafter, Jesus was moved with compassion in Luke 23:24 and prayed a prayer to the Father saying in essence that those present did not know what was really happening there that day, asking the Father to forgive them.

Most there that day being focused only on the externals missed what was really happening at the moment. As important as the external sufferings are to our salvation, may we not miss the important work that was done on the Cross between Jesus and the Father that made our redemption sure and complete.  As Jesus said in v. 30 of John chapter 19, “It is finished!”

Much more went on that day than met the eye. While onlookers watched external events Jesus was working out the details of the complete and full payment of our sins with the Father. May we not miss the reality of the work of the Cross on our behalf.  Like the thief on the cross that eventually got it, may we to acknowledge and receive His offer of forgiveness for our sin debt. May we do it today, for tomorrow may be too late. Praise Him!!

The Gospel of John Lesson 83 (08-10-14) John 19:16-7

The Gospel of John Lesson 83 (08-10-14)

Lesson 83 – John 19:16-7

Read Mt. 27:26-35a, Mark 15:15-23, Luke 23:24-5, 26-33 and John 19:15-8

So, Pilate now having done everything that he could do, using every possible approach in reasoning with the Jews that he could think of, finally gives up, washing his hands in front of them, declaring innocence to them, sends Jesus away to be crucified, Mt. 27:24. We know that Pilate was in no way innocent in the matter, for even though he was backed into a corner it was still his decision not to protect an innocent man handing Jesus over to the will of the people.

In Mark 15:15 we read that before Jesus was delivered to be crucified that He was first scourged. To scourge someone you would usually strip them of their clothing. A scourge would consist of numerous lashings, most often upwards of 30+, often 40 save one, using a whip, most often made of leather strips. However, this whip was special. It was designed as an instrument of punishment and cruel torture. At the end of the leather strands were knots tied with pieces of metal in them. These pieces of metal were usual made of lead which when applied would sink deep into the tissue causing resistance tearing the skin and tissue when retracted.

If this were not enough, the Romans having perfected the art of torture, would often tie pieces of sharp bone also in the tassels of the whip. These bones would not only embed themselves in the skin when applied, but would also tend to further rip the skin and underlying tissue penetrating further and deeper into the flesh usually ripping and lacerating the deeper underlying musculature. The end result of such a procedure, if one was fortunate enough to survive, was blood and sweat all over one’s body.

Much of this blood and sweat would very quickly begin to coagulate causing a sticky and tacky substance much like the consistency of glue. Again, at this point the one having the flogging or whipping most often was without cloths. John’s Gospel does not give us many of these details, but in Mark’s account it tells us that after Pilate had scourged Jesus and had delivered Him to be crucified, that Pilate delivered Jesus into the hands of a band of soldiers who had just for sport, or, in other words were having their fun at Jesus’ expense, had clothed Him in purple and planted a crown of thorns on His head mocking Him for being called or known as a king.

Well this robe when put on Him now stuck to His body somewhat like a form of glue. Even though the blood by this time had begun to coagulate some, Jesus’ wounds were still oozing profusely and to make matters worse He was now in the hands of a large number of soldiers who were not even yet at this time treating Him to nice. Jesus Himself was the object of their sport or entertainment.

Just so we can understand what was happening here, Jesus after Pilate had sentenced Him, placed Him in the hands of a band of soldiers. Many of the different commentaries that I had looked at placed a band of soldiers anywhere between as little as 60 soldiers to as many as 600. Most place the number between 100 and 120 soldiers. The other thing that is significant here, is that the longer the robe is left on Jesus the more attached the robe becomes attached to His wounds.

This is an interesting dynamic. Just think of what it would be like. A condemned man left unguarded with 100 +/- men, who were not just guards, but men of war where there were few restrictions as to what you could do. The only requirement was that they needed to keep Jesus alive enough to be crucified. It tells us that Jesus was so much the event or object of their sport for the night among this elite group of warriors (Mt. 27:27) that they even sent the word out for others in the palace to come and join in on the sport or their supposed good time.

It tells us that they had put the robe and a crown of thorns on Him mocking Him giving Him a reed for a staff. It goes on to say in Mark’s Gospel chapter 15 that after giving Him the staff and mocking Him as a king that they would take the staff away from Him and strike Him with it striking Him in the head in particular. These were men of war. I am sure that the blows to the head were not light taps. It is worth noting also that a reed was not a soft material that can be found in some reeds, but was more a hard stick like object that can cause injury when used as a weapon or instrument of discipline.

This is an ugly scene. Jesus is in the midst of at least 60 + men of war and almost all of them would want to get their licks in in one form or another. They mocked Him, they beat Him with the reed, they spat on Him, punched Him, kicked Him and all kinds of unimaginable abuse. Remember this was a large group of men of war. By themselves some of them may never have acted the way that they did that night, but get them with a group of guys and that competitive spirit kicks in and begins to take over and soon with a group that large there is no telling what you will find yourself doing. Again, the only restriction that these men were given was that they would need to be able to keep Jesus at least somewhat alive for crucifixion.

In Mark 15:20 it tells us that when they had had their fun that they pulled the robe off of Him… a big ouch! Can you imagine men of war taking off Jesus’ robe? Men of war are not known for their tact or bedside manner. As a matter of perspective their point of view in the matter would have most likely been the more pain in the process the better. It tells us that after taking off Jesus’ robe that they put His own cloths back on Him, leading Him away to be crucified.

It is amazing to me that Jesus at this time was even able to walk. After receiving this type of torture and treatment most would be unconscious and on the floor unable to move, if not already dead. It appears from John’s Gospel that at first Jesus was required to carry His own cross. Estimates vary as to how much the cross actually weighed. Some estimate it to be as much as 3-400 pounds.

At any rate, it is obvious that Jesus was unable to bear His cross very far alone. To me it is inconceivable that He could have carried it at all. However, John tells us that He did. But, He never would have made it to Golgotha on His own. The other three Gospels tell us that they grabbed a passerby named Simon. We are unsure as to exactly who this man really was, but is apparent that he was probably a Jew from North Africa in Jerusalem for the Passover. There is also good evidence that later two of his sons would be found to be prominent members and workers in the early Church.

It is also not clear as to what exactly is meant by the other Gospel writers by Simon carrying the Cross. Some have suggested that he may not have carried the Cross alone, but had assisted Jesus in carrying the Cross, Lk. 23:26. In doing so, I can only imagine what Simon was thinking in his heart seeing Jesus in this state right in front of him.

Not much is said about the actual journey to Golgotha except that in Luke’s Gospel it tells us that a great company accompanied Jesus as he went to the Cross and Luke also records an interesting conversation that Jesus had with some of the women of Jerusalem that were following Him. These women were bewailing and lamenting for Jesus. Rightly so, for Jesus was a sight to be seen. Anyone who had seen Jesus on that day should have had pity on Him.

However, an interesting thing happens. Jesus for the first time in some time breaks silence and has a conversation with them giving them a prophetic warning. It is amazing that here Jesus is all beat up and torn, carrying a heavy cross, barely able to move and He turns not to thank them for their pity for His present state, but instead to warn them of coming events that they had better beware of.

He warns them in particular about the coming desolation that would be coming very soon that would in all likelihood personally affect most of them present. He tells them not to weep or have pity for Him as bad as He looked, but He told them that they should have pity on themselves for even though they did not know it death and destruction lay at their door.

This statement from Jesus must have shocked, no… stunned them. Jesus in saying this was not at all rebuking them for their pity and compassion that they sincerely had for Him. But, in looking at Jesus they had assumed the wrong thing. In looking at Jesus they had assumed that He was in an unfortunate position and deserved their heartfelt sympathy. However, what they had failed to realize was that Jesus was exactly where He had chosen to be, even though it was a painful situation, and that although pity was still an appropriate response from them that very soon He would come forth as the Victor having completed His work.

However, their position was the position that was tenuous. Jesus knowing the future takes the time even in His present condition to warn them of coming events. Little did they realize that soon many of them would be in His position being the recipients of Roman fury. The only real difference however would be that they would be on their own. They as a nation of people had rejected the Savior that was right in front of them and soon would experience the consequences of that decision.

He tells them something very interesting at the end of His conversation with them. In v. 31 of Luke 19 He warns them in essence saying “If they, the Romans, treat an innocent man this way, a green tree, then what will they do to a rebellious nation that is dry and unruly toward them. Most believe that Jesus was warning these daughters of Jerusalem of the judgment that was about to fall upon them from Rome. When seeing the destruction that was to come they would cry out asking the mountains to fall upon them and cover them. It is believed that this was fulfilled in 70 AD.

Luke also records in Luke 23:42 that Jesus was not alone on His way to the Cross. Two others accompanied Him on that day. They would be put to death with Jesus, however, unlike Jesus they were sinners, guilty of their offenses. This would fulfill Isaiah’s prophesy in Isa. 53:12 that Jesus even though sinless would be numbered with transgressors. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 82 (08-03-14) John 19:7-16

The Gospel of John Lesson 82 (08-03-14)

Lesson 82 – John 19:7-16

In John 19:6 we see Pilate, after sending Jesus to Herod, present Jesus to the mob which included Israel’s religious leaders. He, Pilate, presented Jesus to them in a humiliating fashion. Jn. 19:5 tells us that Pilate brought Jesus out as he had received Him back from King Herod, beat up by his men of war, wearing a purple robe, mocking Him and wearing the crown of thorns pressed onto His head and brow. Not a good site, definitely not the appearance of an up and coming king.

In doing this, Pilate had thought that he might encourage them to come to their senses, presenting Jesus to them as a nobody.  When seeing Jesus in this way he had hoped that they would realize that it was impossible for Jesus to be who He had claimed to be. Pilate came out to them, and, in presenting Jesus he said “Behold the man” in essence saying “behold as you can see for yourselves that Jesus is just a man”.

But, to no avail. They were determined. Jn. 19:6 tells us that when the chief priest and officers saw Jesus in this state they were in no way moved with pity or compassion, but instead reacted even more the opposite, crying out “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”, crying out with emotion and intensity. This took Pilate somewhat by surprise. Frustrated by their response he told them to take Him and crucify Him themselves telling them that he found no fault in Him.

But, to this statement, that Pilate found no fault in Him, they had an issue. According to Roman standards or law there was found nothing that could be used to accuse Jesus of anything. Nothing…He was blameless. Not even something like illegal parking or jay walking.

But, this was not so with the Jews. They contended that they had a valid charge against Him, and, that it was a serious offense at that. In Jn. 19:7 they state their charge and the reason for their indignation telling Pilate that Jesus may not have broken or transgressed any of their laws that were worthy of being charged with anything, but according to their Law Jesus had committed a major offence, one that was unforgivable and worthy of death. He claimed to be Jehovah God. To the Jews this was a major offense…a capital offense.

Well, what they said got Pilate’s attention. In evaluating Jesus and this situation, Pilate knew that under normal circumstances that he could handle Jesus as the man being able to deal with anything that Jesus might possibly do to attempt to change His present circumstances. However, now he hears this major offense that they bring against Jesus that He had made public claims that He was God. This got Pilate’s attention.

The Romans believed in deities believing that they can rise up having seemingly above average power and ability coming in the form of a man and as such there is just no telling just what someone who is a god was capable of. This made Pilate uncomfortable with the present situation, v. 8. For the Jews their perspective was that someone coming as a man to be God was blasphemous. However, for the Romans they essentially did not believe in one God, and, when possibly in the presence of deity their perspective was to proceed with caution not underestimating the situation.

So, with Pilate feeling the need of some more input, trying to determine the situation, he enters back into judgment hall to ask Jesus some more questions. In doing so he asks Jesus directly the god question asking Him in v. 9 where He was from. In other words “are you from this world or from another?”

To this Jesus gives him no answer. And, as we have seen in the past this response of no response did not always set well with the one that was asking the questions. Just a note, it is interesting that Jesus’s response of no response, although having the effect of personally annoying or making angry the one that had asked the questions, at the same time it impressed the one asking the questions, marveling at the boldness and the confidence under the present circumstances of the One being silent. Most would be begging for mercy in situations such as this. Being silent in this situation was a death sentence.

However, Pilate being annoyed, and, like King Herod when he had interrogated Jesus, being moved with an attitude of ‘how could you remain silent and not answer a man in my position when asked a direct question?’, attempts to use the power of his position to persuade Jesus to talk, v. 10.

How foolish. For a moment Pilate forgot that he just might be in the presence of someone that might not be from this world and had made claims that He was God. Wow…the pride of man. Not that Pilate at this time actually believed that Jesus was a god, but he did not totally disbelieve it either. It tells us in v. 8 that this statement had made an impression on him, actually frightening him, and, that it made such an impression on him that he was moved with maybe a little more than curiosity to act upon the Jews statement of Jesus claiming to be God asking Jesus some questions that were not commonly asked in your normal inquisition.

So, in v. 9 Pilate asks Jesus where He is from which Jesus does not respond to. This in turn annoys Pilate and makes him somewhat angry. Pilate responds to Jesus’ silence with a statement that was intended to force Jesus to talk, intending to make Him answer his question, Pilate attempting to use the power of his position.

Well, Pilate’s statement moved Jesus to respond alright, but the response was not what Pilate had expected. Prior to Jesus response in v. 11, Pilate had assumed the perspective that he was in the authoritative position and that he was in charge. However, Jesus’ remark in v. 11 changed all of that. Jesus tells Pilate in essence that he, Pilate, was in reality just in a position, playing out a part, and, that it wasn’t because of the greatness of his ability that he had had the upper hand in this moment, but, that it was only because he was allowed to be in this position, that this situation was tempered with destiny. That he was here, right now, essentially carrying out a part that he has no control over.

Now this got Pilate’s attention. So much so, that, if he did not know before that he wanted nothing to do with this, he knew it now. And, v. 12 tells us that from this time on he would use all of his power and authority to free Jesus.

But, to no avail. He found out that with all the supposedly power and authority that his position was supposed to hold he found out in reality that he was powerless. He could do ‘nothing’. The Jews now, making their final move, cry out, placing the ace of spades on the table, in turn forcing Pilate to do what he does not want to do.

Don’t be fooled and find yourself feeling sorry for Pilate, thinking that he had no choice in the decision in this matter. Pilate’s only motivation and desire in this situation was not to protect Jesus in any way, but was only to protect and advance himself and his career. Mt. 27:24 tells us that right now, at this moment, things were potentially explosive. At any moment, if things were not handled right, what Pilate does not want to happen at any cost could become a reality. At this moment a potential riot was staring him in the face.

However, right now, at this moment, another dynamic was also at work inside of Pilate that he could not shake. Just moments ago Jesus had confronted Pilate with the reality of moral responsibility and the ‘truth’. And, also now, at this moment, he well knew that whatever decision he ended up making in this situation that he was responsible for it. At this moment, he knew that in some way he would be accountable for the decision that he was about to make.

A few hours ago Pilate had had no sense of what moral responsibility was. He only knew what he wanted and how or what he needed to do to get it. However, now, after his encounter and conversation with Jesus he knew that in some way that he would be responsible for this one, quite possible knowing for the first time in a long time that he, in reality, had always responsible for his actions.

Pilate wanted out, but, at this moment he was powerless to do anything about it. The Jews cried out ‘Crucify Him! Crucify Him!’, and, then as we said before, they laid down the ace of spades, telling him that if he did not act and do what they said that he would have to answer to Cesar in this matter.

The Jews had him. He had no option but to give them what they wanted. Vs. 13-4 tells us that when Pilate heard this statement from the Jews that he brought Jesus forth and took a seat in the judgment seat, it being now noon, and presented Jesus to the Jews saying to them, “Behold your King!”

It appeared that the Jews had the upper hand for the moment; however, in presenting Jesus to them as their King he at least could give them back a dig. In v. 15 we find that they were indeed annoyed with Pilate’s statement or dig, not just a little, and after hearing his comment they cried out all the more ‘Away with Him, crucify Him!”

Pilate responds to their cries saying, “Shall I crucify your King?” half bewildered and pressing the situation and their button a little bit more. The Jews in turn respond irrationally and purely on emotion tell Pilate that they have no king but Caesar. Following this comes the famous scene that has been retold throughout time since. Pilate washes his hands in front of them and turns his back on justice and delivers Jesus over to them to be crucified.