“A JOURNEY THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JOHN” ST. JOHN 19:25-42

Christ’s  Voluntary Surrender of  His Life

It is indeed noteworthy that of the Saviour’s passion, all four evangelists – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – recorded it; with that thought in mind, the passion of Christ is of supreme importance!  In verse 25, we discover that there was an affectionate group of individuals that remained devoted to their Lord during His suffering.  As we approach our subject, we should be extremely elated that our Lord bore the full payment of our sin to expiate God’s full wrath against sin.  The love that Mary has for her Son is truly noteworthy in verse 25, for a true mother’s love for her child never ceases, even at death!

On a cross of shame and ignominy, our Lord demonstrates unusual honor for His parent – Mary. Christ was about to leave this world, but He was concerned about His widowed mother (v. 26)!  On the cross, our Lord had spoken words of forgiveness for a depraved crowd (Luke 23:34); then, He offered words of salvation and assurance to a repentant thief (Luke 23:43).  Now, we find Him offering words of tenderness to a widowed mother (v. 26).  In verse 27, we behold the Redeemer of the earth giving to the apostle, who had leaned on His breast, His very mother, on whose breast He had rested!

What an unusual sight to behold – the “Supreme Maker of heaven and earth” is in need of a drink of water (v. 28).  The fifth cross utterance – “I thirst” – followed right after the three hours of darkness (Matthew 27:45-46).  It was when the light of God’s countenance was withdrawn from His blessed Son, that we behold Jesus uttering “I thirst.”   The parched lips of the Saviour of mankind evidenced that He was human.  In the depths of His humiliation, Christ thirsts!  With the superb self-possession of mind having suffered on the cross of shame for six hours, our Lord accepts the vinegar and exclaimed a shout of victory – “It is finished” (vs. 29-39).

In verse 31, the Jews were anxious that the body of Christ not remain on the cross during the high day – the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  However, little did the Lord’s enemies know that they were unconsciously executing the counsel of God (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).   It is indeed instructive that both the legs of the two thieves were broken, but when the soldiers came to Christ, He was already dead (v. 32-33).  In verse 34, the action of the soldiers in piercing the side of Jesus verified that Jesus died.  John, the evangelist of this gospel, bore witness to the fact that Jesus died (v. 35).  Even the bones of our blessed Saviour were preserved by God (v. 36; Psalm 34:20).

According to many bible scholars, the fulfillment of verse 37 will be in the future, for Israel shall look upon Him whom they pierced (Zechariah 12:10).  In conclusion (vs. 40-42), we find two devoted disciples requesting the body of the Lord.  Just as God would not allow Christ’s bones to be broken, He will not allow Christ to be buried in a malefactor’s tomb.  However, Christ will be placed in a sepulcher prepared by one who loved him (Isaiah 53:9).  May God Bless!