John 19: The Once-for-all Sacrifice for Sin

Read John chapter 19

Introduction: John 19 is a powerful reminder to believers, and a moving, heartfelt account of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It details the events leading up to His death and the moments immediately following it. This chapter is a testament to the love and sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly gave His life for the salvation of humanity. The outline of John 19 will provide a verse by verse analysis of this significant moment in the Christian faith.

I. John 19:1-16: The Trial and Sentencing of Jesus
The Roman governor Pilate has Jesus flogged and mocked by soldiers (John 19:1-3). Despite finding no guilt in Jesus, Pilate presents Him to the crowd, offering to release Him, but they demand His crucifixion (John 19:4-7). Pilate questions Jesus further, but Jesus remains silent, leading Pilate to declare that he has no power over Jesus except what is given to him from above (John 19:8-11). The crowd continues to demand Jesus’ crucifixion, and Pilate relents, handing Jesus over to be crucified (John 19:12-16). Some other verses that relate to these verses are  Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, Luke 23:24-25 – These verses describe the same events, emphasizing the unwillingness of Pilate to condemn Jesus, but his eventual submission to the crowd’s demands.

II. John 19:17-27: The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus carries His cross to Golgotha and is crucified between two others (John 19:17-18). Pilate has a sign placed above Jesus’ head, declaring Him “King of the Jews,” which angers the Jewish leaders (John 19:19-22). The soldiers divide Jesus’ garments and cast lots for His tunic (John 19:23-24). Jesus sees His mother and the disciple He loves standing nearby and entrusts His mother to the disciple’s care (John 19:25-27). Other verses in Bible that relate to these verses are Psalm 22:18, Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24 – These verses also describe the soldiers dividing Jesus’ garments, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 22.

III. John 19:28-37: The Death of Jesus
Jesus, knowing His work is finished, says “I am thirsty” and is given sour wine to drink (John 19:28-29). Jesus declares “It is finished” and dies, fulfilling the Scriptures (John 19:30). The soldiers do not break Jesus’ legs, as He is already dead, but one soldier pierces His side, and blood and water flow out (John 19:31-37). Cross reference verses to these verses include Psalm 34:20, Zechariah 12:10, 1 John 5:6 – These verses speak of the Messiah’s bones not being broken and being pierced, which are fulfilled in Jesus’ death.

Conclusion: John 19 is a sad, but necessary event in the Bible, detailing the final moments of Jesus’ life, who in turn, offers all the world eternal life. It shows the fulfillment of prophecy, the depths of Jesus’ love for humanity, and the ultimate sacrifice He made for our salvation. The events of this chapter are a powerful reminder of the cost of our redemption and the hope we have in Jesus’ victory over death. As we reflect on this chapter, let us be inspired by the love and sacrifice of our Savior.