“A JOURNEY THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JOHN”

St. John 19:12-24

Christ Condemned to Death

As we approach this dramatic scene of the death of Christ, it is imperative to know that Christ’s death was needed to satisfy God’s holiness and justice because mankind’s condemnation before God was so severe due to Adam’s initial act of disobedience in the garden of Eden (Romans 5:12).  The Nation of Israel took the initiative in having the “Lamb of God” slain, but Pontius Pilate had the judicial responsibility for having Him put to death – a sentence that Pilate will be judged.  After the Jewish leaders made the charge that “Christ made Himself the Son of God” (v. 7), the vacillating Pilate became increasingly uneasy.  Within the judgment hall, Pilate began to ask the Saviour a question – “Whence art thou” (v. 9).  But our blessed Lord replied not a word.  After Pilate’s boastful acclaim that he had power to crucify or release Jesus, Christ made it clear to Pilate that Pilate’s power was delegated by the Father (v. 11).

After all of the political maneuvering that Pilate had made during Christ’s examination before him, the Jews insisted that if Christ were released, then Pilate was not a friend to Caesar (v. 12).  Thus, the Jewish leaders played their strongest card against Pilate – if he released Jesus, then he would displease the Emperor because of the Jews’ charges against Jesus (Luke 23:2-5).  Having heard the Jews’ strong statement in verse 12, Pilate retired to his judgment seat, for he was pressed to make a decision (v. 13).  As an evident token of Pilate’s irony and disdain of the Jewish people, he said – “Behold your King” (v. 14).   Pilate’s last minute appeal to the Jewish leaders had no impact, for they clamored the more – “Crucify Him” (v. 15).  These Jewish leaders were relentless in their cry to have the innocent Jesus crucified.

Nothing but His sacrificial blood would appease them!  In a demeanor that exhibits a mixture of compassionate feeling and mockery, Pilate said – “Shall I crucify your King” (v. 15).  The purpose of the people was truly enforced by Pilate, for St. Luke 23:24 says – “And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.”  Pilate eventually gave in unto the people, thus Jesus was delivered to be crucified (v. 16).  In verse 16, we are informed that Christ was “led” as He was taken away.  In keeping with the prophecy of Isaiah, Isaiah 53:7 says – “He was led as a Lamb to the slaughter.”  Our Lord offered no resistance; He was not dragged nor driven as He was taken to be crucified!

Wasting no time, our Lord was led from Gabbatha to Golgotha to be crucified (v. 17).  Revealing the Jewish leader’s enormous hatred of Jesus, He was crucified among vile offenders (v. 18).  Yet, the Jewish leaders’ malice only became the means of fulfilling ancient prophecy, for Isaiah 53:7 says – “He was numbered with the transgressors.”  Yes, our Lord was outrageously treated, but His Father never left Him alone!   In an effort to display his contempt for the Jews, Pilate did not change the inscription that was placed on the cross “JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS” (v. 19-22).

Lastly, the insulting demeanor of the soldiers in parting Christ’s garments and casting lots for His coat, expressed the extreme hatred and shame that Christ endured.  He endured extreme shame for us, that we through faith in Him might attain a righteous standing before God.  May God Bless!