Sunday Sermon
sunday morning 30th Nov 2008
john chapter 19
In this chapter we have the account of the crucifixion of Jesus.
That he died no-one doubts.
But the manner of his death is what John wants to put across.
The manner of his death and the purpose of his death is where lines are drawn between those who love him as their “Saviour who died for me”, and those who say he was just another man! That there was nothing all that special about Jesus!
John wrote his account so that people would be able to believe in Jesus, what then does he want to draw particular attention to in the account of his death?
First there are the simple facts of the matter.
The basic facts are these:
He was whipped v1, given a thorny crown v2, mocked v3,
found not guilty by Pilot v4, found guilty of blasphemy by the Jews v6-7,
handed over to be crucified v16, He carried his cross like every other criminal v17, two others are crucified along side v18
Then he dies v30.
These make up the basic facts of the day, which no one would really dispute.
There was nothing special about his death at this level!
He was killed like a common criminal.
Pilot was manipulated, the Jewish leaders got their man - but injustice was no shock.
On the face of it then, there was nothing special. Nothing Divine, nothing that said “God is here”! In fact it would seem that his death simply proves right those who say Jesus was just a man!
But the basic facts of his death can be looked at as further proof that He was who he said he was, not less proof!
He humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!
The NT is never embarrassed by the way Jesus dies! It rejoices in it.
God’s experience of what it means to be human went down to the lowest point.
God in Christ has plumbed the very depth of our human experience.
He did not opt out at any stage.
What are we to see in this? We are to see God’s heart, Gods character, we are to see the extent of his love! We are to see Jesus the Messiah and believe.
Where do we need most help as humans? Where is our common denominator?
Surely it is in death!
Thus, for there to be a Saviour who really understands and knows how to save, he must also go through what is the ultimate human experience.
The fact that Jesus died this common death then, is not reason to dismiss him.
Second John wants to point out the uniqueness of his death.
The manner of his death fulfilled prophecy.
Ancient predictions about how the Saviour would die are fulfilled, not just generally but in specific detail!
V24 quote from Psalm 22v18. Clothes divided and gambled over.
V36 no broken bones
The Passover Lamb regulations stipulated that no bone had to be broken Ex12v46
The psalmist declares Yahweh’s protection over those who trust him, no broken bones psalm 34v20
V37 quotes Psalm 22v16-17, Zec12v10.
That he was pierced in hands feet and side, also prophesied.
That he died in this manner was verifiable at the time - v35.
There was a witness - probably the soldier who pierced his side!
So Jesus had a common criminals death, yet it was a death like no other.
Further John wants us to pay close attention to what Jesus says on the cross.
V26-27: Jesus cares for his mother on the cross.
This is a very human concern. He wants his mother taken care of when he is gone!
V28 - “I am thirsty”. John notes that he says this in order that more prophecy would be fulfilled - Ps69v21.
V30 - “it is finished” - what was finished? all the work that he had come to do.
What did he come to do? To give life John 10v10, to give light John 12v46
He came to Save! But he could only save by taking away sin and for that He had to die! And of course he knew he had to die.
See : Heb 9 esp 26-28.
He had to deal with our sin so that we could be forgiven and then enter into life.
His cry “it is finished” meant that all he came to do was accomplished.
It was a victory cry. Life could now be given because he died!
The good news is great news for us
- we can be forgiven, we can have life.
John wants us to see that the work has been done. He wants us to believe in Jesus.
But what a price. That He should die so that I should live!
This is not fair. I should die, I’m the sinner. I’m guilty.
But Jesus came willingly, he died willingly - he “gave up his spirit”, it was not taken from him!
In the end we look at this chapter and we say surely this was no ordinary death.
The way he died, the things he said, the fulfilment of prophecy! This was exceptional.
But John asks us to look closer than even all this.
He asks us not just to observe from a distance, he says come and take part.
He says read this account as if you were on jury duty.
And ask: is Jesus dying there for me?
These things a written so that you may believe in him and have life in him.