John 19:17-42, Jesus’ Crucifixion and Burial

Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Constable

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Podcast Summary: John 19:17-42 - Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial

Title: The Cross and the Tomb: Jesus’ Final Moments

Episode Description:
In John 19:17-42, we witness the heartbreaking culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry as He is crucified and buried. This passage describes the physical and emotional agony of the crucifixion, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the final moments of Jesus' life on the cross. As Jesus is nailed to the cross, He speaks words of profound significance, including the statement "It is finished." This marks the completion of His redemptive work. Following His death, Jesus' body is taken down and buried with great care, fulfilling yet another prophecy and preparing for the glory of His resurrection. In this episode, we explore the depth of Jesus' sacrifice, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the steps leading to the ultimate victory over death.

Episode Notes

1. Jesus is Crucified (Verses 17-18)

• The Journey to Golgotha:
  After being sentenced to crucifixion, Jesus is led away, carrying His cross to the place called Golgotha, which means "the place of the skull." This moment fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 53:3 that the Messiah would be "despised and rejected by men." Jesus' crucifixion takes place outside the city of Jerusalem, a location significant for its association with sin and death.
• The Crucifixion:
  Upon arriving at Golgotha, Jesus is nailed to the cross, an excruciatingly painful form of execution. Jesus is placed between two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:3, which states that He would be “numbered with the transgressors.” The image of Jesus on the cross with criminals further emphasizes His identification with sinners, even though He is sinless.

2. The Inscription on the Cross (Verses 19-22)

• Pilate’s Inscription:
  Pilate has a notice written and placed on the top of the cross that reads, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The religious leaders protest, asking Pilate to change the inscription to say that Jesus claimed to be the King of the Jews, but Pilate refuses. This inscription, whether intended as mockery or truth, testifies to the irony of the situation: the One who was rejected as King is indeed the King of all creation. It is a subtle declaration of Jesus' true identity, even in the face of His suffering.

3. The Soldiers’ Actions (Verses 23-24)

• The Division of Jesus’ Clothes:
  The Roman soldiers, fulfilling prophecy, divide Jesus’ clothes among themselves. However, they do not tear His tunic but cast lots for it instead, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 22:18: “They divided My clothes among them and cast lots for My garment.” This act underscores the harshness and cruelty of the situation, yet also reveals the precision with which the Scriptures are fulfilled.

4. Jesus’ Mother and the Beloved Disciple (Verses 25-27)

• Jesus Sees His Mother and the Disciple Whom He Loved:
  Standing at the foot of the cross are Jesus' mother, Mary, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus, in His final moments, looks at His mother and the beloved disciple (traditionally understood to be John) and says, "Woman, behold your son!" and to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" In this act, Jesus ensures that His mother will be cared for after His death. This moment is filled with tenderness and love, as Jesus cares for His loved ones even as He suffers.

5. The Death of Jesus (Verses 28-30)

• Jesus’ Final Words and Death:
  As Jesus’ suffering reaches its peak, He declares, "I thirst." This moment fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 69:21, "They gave Me vinegar for My