There is nothing pleasant or attractive about an execution. The only one I've ever seen was in a televised news report from Vietnam. A captured soldier was shot. It left a knot in my stomach for days.
In Jesus’ day execution was designed to be public and painful. The account of the crucifixion is not easy to read. You may be tempted to think that Jesus’ death was a cruel mistake. It wasn’t. Jesus’ life was not taken from him; he laid it down willingly. It was part of his plan—a plan that included you and me. His cross was in a very real sense our cross.
Warming Up to God
When you think about death, what feelings and thoughts come to mind?Read John 19:17-42
Discovering the Word
- Three groups were involved in Jesus' death—the soldiers, the Jewish leaders and Pilate. How would you characterize each one's attitude toward Jesus? In what ways do their attitudes toward Jesus parallel those of men and women today?
- How is Jesus' tender care for Mary evident even while he is dying (vv. 26-27)?
- What was the significance of Jesus' cry "It is finished" (v. 30; see Jn 17:4)?
- What evidence does John give that Jesus really died?
- Why was it so important for John to establish the certainty of Jesus' death?
Applying the Word
- The disciples are not mentioned at the crucifixion; they were probably not there. When it comes to public identification with Jesus, under what circumstances are you tempted to respond in the same way?
- What aspect of Jesus' death has made the deepest impression on you, and why?
