John 19

What is a good death?

The Good Death: Insights from the Cross

Bible Passage: John 19:1–42

Summary: The passage of John 19:1–42 recounts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, detailing his trials, suffering, and his final moments, shedding light on a divine perspective on death and sacrifice.

We are given three sections to think through - The Court-Scence, the Crucifixion, and the Burial.

And while we are here, there are three main characters - Jesus, Pilate, and “the Jews”. To be clear, John means “the Jews” as a nod not towards every person who was Jewish, but the religious leaders of the city of Jerusalem.

Application: This message encourages believers to reflect on the nature of their own lives and deaths, prompting them to consider how they can live and die in a way that honors God. It provides hope that even in suffering, there is purpose and eternal significance in Christ, which can assuage fears around death.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that a good death, as exemplified by Jesus, is marked by faithfulness to God's mission, surrender to divine will, and the act of self-giving love. It challenges the audience to consider their own legacies and the impact of their choices on eternal lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader biblical context, Jesus' death on the cross fulfills the messianic prophecies, revealing Him as the suffering servant who takes upon Himself the sins of the world. His sacrifice brings redemption and provides the ultimate example of a good death that transforms understanding of mortality.

Big Idea: A good death comes not from absence of suffering, but from a life lived in unwavering faith and love for God and others, as exemplified by Jesus on the cross.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon using Logos, consider exploring the historical context of crucifixion in first-century Judea and the theological implications of Jesus’ last words. Additionally, look into the resonance of sacrificial themes in the Old Testament to deepen your understanding of the significance of Christ’s death.

1. Enduring Through Injustice

John 19:1-16

You could explore the injustice and humiliation Jesus faced during his trials before Pilate and the soldiers. This part of the passage can suggest that suffering, though not inherently good, can be part of fulfilling God's purpose, reinforcing that a good death involves not shrinking from God’s mission even when faced with unjust circumstances. Reflect on Jesus’ steadfastness and courage despite these trials, illustrating how believers are called to remain true to their faith amidst life's injustices.

2. Completing God’s Mission

John 19:17-30

Maybe focus on Jesus' journey to the cross, emphasizing His sacrifice and obedience to the Father’s will. As Jesus hangs on the cross, His statements reveal the depth of His commitment to human redemption. This could suggest that a good death is not marked by mere physical endurance but by the purpose and love behind it, highlighting how Jesus accomplished the work He was sent to do, thereby offering believers an example of fulfilling God's call even unto death.

3. Triumph in Death

John 19:31-42

Perhaps, in this concluding section, reflect on the aftermath of Jesus' death—the completion of His earthly mission and the preparation for His burial. Despite the devastation of the crucifixion, these events demonstrate that death is not the end but the beginning of larger promises of redemption. You could suggest that believers' own deaths can be seen as the continuation into eternal life, echoing Jesus’ triumph over death. Highlight how His burial was also honorable, fulfilling Scriptures, providing hope in death’s inevitability.