The wrath of Jesus’ enemies is let loose upon
Jesus as He is beaten, humiliated and crucified. It seems that evil is stronger
than the good; the only partial supporter, trying to release Him, is Pilate!
Yet, despite all the atrocities that are
filling this scene, Jesus is portrayed as the true king, Son of God, suffering,
through choice, to save the world.
Monday: “Hail king
of the Jews”
Read John 19:1-3, Matt.
27:27-31. Jesus is ‘flogged’ twice. The first was a lighter
form, for those committing less severe crime. Pilate hopes this will appease
the crowd and secure Jesus’ release. Later, He is ‘scourged’. This was
inflicted by a whip of thongs loaded with pieces of bone or metal, making pulp
of a man’s back. John wants us to see,
behind the mockery, that Jesus is the King, being cursed for us.
Tuesday: Crown of
thorns and purple robe
Read 19:2-7. ‘Crown’ - stéphanos – was a wreath (garland),
awarded to a victor in the ancient athletic games. Jesus’ suffering is a glorious victory! He is given a purple
robe – purple was the colour of royalty – Jesus is the true king yet taking
such mockery. This is not defeat, this is Jesus, the Son of God’s greatest triumph on
our behalf – He is gaining the victory over hell, death and the curse of our
sin – Let’s crown Him our victorious king.
Wednesday: “You would
have no power if it were not given to you”
Read John 19:8-11, Acts 2:23. It was
God, not Caesar who had put Pilate in this position of authority (Rom. 13:1) –
in the mystery of God’s will (providence) Pilate’s self-serving cowardice is
just what is needed for Jesus to be crucified! How is your trust in God’s
absolute, perfect control? Mysterious yes, but a great comfort also.
Thursday: “The day of preparation for the Passover”
Read John 19:12-16, Ex.
34:29-31. Behind Pilate’s irony is John’s message that Jesus is
indeed the King about to die for us – to save sinners. At the first Passover
the first born of Pharaoh dies due to the sin of his father. At this Passover,
the one to which the original points, God’s only Son dies for the sin of the
people, to set them free.
Friday: ‘Carrying
His own cross’
Read John 19:17-24, 1 Pet. 2:23,
1 Jn. 2:2. ‘Jesus,
carrying His own cross…’ He carried
the cross for you and me; salvation is bought by His suffering alone, we
contribute nothing! Pilate’s
notice on the cross read, ‘Jesus of
Nazareth, the king of the Jews’. He is the true King, the Christ, suffering
to save. It’s multi-lingual nature – written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek, point
to Jesus as King and Saviour of the world.
Saturday: ‘Here is
your mother’
Read John 19:25-27. Even over
His own brothers, Jesus gives John the undertaking of caring for His mother.
This causes us to think of how Jesus might trust us with caring for our
families, friends, new Christians etc. Are we trustworthy? Are we faithful
friends and leaders? Let’s pray that God would give us grace to be outstanding
mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends to those God brings into our
lives.
You can catch up on all the messages in the
John series at:
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