The Cross

John 19:16-30

If you brought your bibles turn with me over to the gospel of John chapter 19, the gospel of John chapter 19 and in a moment we are going to read verses 16-30 of the gospel of John chapter 19.

We have come to the crucifixion of Jesus. Last week we left off at Vs. 15, with the Jewish leaders rejecting Jesus, and pledging their allegiance to Caesar. Pilate asked, “Shall I crucify your King?” And They shouted crucify Him, crucify Him we have no King but Caesar!!

Pilate was doing everything he could, in his power to release Jesus but to no avail. The Jewish leaders were pressuring him and threatening him. If he didn’t do what they wanted, and crucify Jesus, they would report him to Rome. There fore Pilate in fear, gave into their demands and sentenced Jesus to die. That brings us to our passage tonight, and to the cross of Jesus Christ.

Everything we have been studying has been building up to this point. The crucifixion of Jesus is the primary focus of our faith. I am not going to be presenting something new to you. We are all familiar with the cross. Every song we sing and every sermon and bible study has the cross in the background. For those who love the Lord Jesus Christ the cross is everything: our freedom, forgiveness, and salvation.

The cross is the culmination of the gospel. Everything Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have to say is leading us to this moment. In fact, this is the moment the entire bible is pointing to.

It is the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. It is the reason the gospel writers wrote. It is the preaching of the cross the book of Acts focuses on, and it is the theology in the letters, the church is built on. It is the foundation of our faith. The Apostle Paul would say, “We preach Christ crucified.”

What I find interesting is: John doesn’t focus on the physical suffering of the cross, none of the gospel writers do. Jesus obviously suffered a great deal on the cross. However, that was not the purpose of the gospel writers. Their focus was on the spiritual suffering, and the reason Christ was crucified for the forgiveness of sin.

Jesus suffered to satisfy the wrath of God so we could be saved. The point of the cross is: our sin was so great it required the most horrific death as a substitute for it. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Jesus is the propitiation for our sin. He paid the penalty we deserved. He died that we might live. That is the primary focus of the gospels, not to present the suffering of Christ from the physical standpoint but from the spiritual.

However, it is important we do recognize the horror of the cross, because the cross struck fear into the hearts of those who witnessed it.

It was invented by the Persians, as a way to punish thieves. It was adapted by the Phoenicians of the Mediterranean coastland, and perfected by the Romans. The Romans were experts in torture and suffering.

The cross was such a horrible way to die, it was against Roman law for a citizen to be crucified no matter what they did. For the Jews, to be crucified meant you were cursed by God. Deuteronomy 21:23 says, he who is hanged is accursed by God”

Paul would tell us in Galatians 3:13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”—”

Therefore, even though the cross was a horrible symbol of death, it became the greatest symbol of love the world has ever known, because it represents the love of God for the world. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

The point is: the horror of the cross is the blessing of God for those who believe.

John 19:16–30 KJV

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

John 19:16–30 KJV

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

We are going to look at this passage under four headings. 1. The Walk of the Cross Vs. 16-18. 2. The Writing of the Cross Vs. 19-22. 3. The Wardrobe of the Cross Vs. 23-24. 4. The Words of the cross Vs. 25-30

The point is: the horror of the cross is the blessing of God for those who believe.

(Something has to be said about the verse and chapter breaks) They are not inspired by the HS. added by man and differ in translations.

I. The Walk of the Cross Vs. 16-18

In these first three verses Jesus is on a journey to fulfill the plan of God, and His mission in the world.

Notice Vs. 16 “Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified, And they took Jesus, and led him away.”

Here we see Pilate has passed his sentence of execution on Jesus. So, he hands Him over to be crucified. But who does He deliver Him too?

The words, “unto them” are evidently referring to the Roman soldiers in order to satisfy the demands of the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders would not have laid their hands on Jesus, although they were very much responsible for what was taking place.

They were not going to have blood on their hands and be unclean for the passover. The Passover was only the beginning. It was followed by a seven day celebration called the feast of Tabernacles. All of this was to commemorate the exodus out of Egypt and the Jewish delivery from slavery.

So, it was important to them to stay right before God. Also, Pilate has washed his hands now to symbolize evading any responsibility for the death of Jesus.

However, John is making it clear to the world, that both Jew and Gentile (Pilate and the Jewish leaders) were responsible for the rejection of Jesus.

Notice Vs. 17, And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:”

In the original language Vs. 17 reads, “And He bear His cross Himself.” John stacked the pronouns to describe the fact that Jesus carried His own cross!!

This was important to John because if you remember, Jesus had told His disciples “ if anyone would be my disciple, he must take up his cross and follow Me.” So, now it is fitting that Jesus would carry His own cross and that is John’s emphasis.

The other gospel writers record a man named Simon of Cyrene being forced in to duty and carrying the cross of Jesus when He could no longer bare the burden of it!! After all, Jesus had been brutally beaten.

And I am so grateful for that story because it tells us that at one time, a man was able to bare the burden of the One who would bare our sin. However, John doesn’t give us that information here. John emphasizes Jesus carrying the burden Himself.

More than likely, this was the cross beam. It would have been placed on His war torn shoulders and split open back as the soldiers led Him away with whips, clearing the way to the place of execution.

Notice Vs. 17 tells us Jesus “went forth into that place.” This speaks of His resolution and determination. He was carrying out the mission of God for the world.

We focus on the agony and brutality of the scene, but John focuses on the glory. Christ is not a victim He is the victor. Christ is not losing the battle of sin and death or good verse evil, He is winning the war.

The cross which was the instrument of suffering and shame, became the symbol of hope and love for all who believe. The cross which was the instrument of death became the symbol of life. The cross which was the symbol of brutality became the symbol of blessing and beauty.

That is what John is presenting to us here. Jesus is going forth determined to execute the plan of God for the redemption of man. He changed the meaning of something, the world of wicked men meant to be so horrible and ugly; the cross, into something so beautiful as the love of God!!

Notice the place He was crucified was called “the place of the skull.” Tradition has it that it was called that because it was a hill that resembled the bald head of a man. We don’t know because the location has been lost.

In fact, the only New Testament reference to the place Jesus was crucified is in Hebrews 13:12–13 which says, “Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.”

The point here in Hebrews is not informational but spiritual. You see in the Old Testament on the day of Atonement, animals sacrificed as a sin offering, were burned outside of the camp and the author of Hebrews is arguing that Jesus represents those sacrifices.

He was sacrificed outside the gate to sanctify God’s people through His blood. That is the point John is making here. Jesus went forth outside the gate of Jerusalem as our sacrifice to atone for our sin.

The place of the skull in Hebrew is Golgotha which in Latin is translated as Calvary. However, the exact location is not known to us today, and in many ways that is fitting. It is symbolic of the sin Jesus died for. It is remembered no more, cast as far as the East is from the West, and not intended to be revisited again, but forgotten.

However, Jesus was not alone at Calvary. But first look at the beginning of Vs. 18, “Where they crucified him.” These four little words do not do justice to what this describes.

This is the actual event. This is the focal point of Christianity, but the way John describes it is so nonchalant.

The horror of the crucifixion is difficult for people like us who dislike cruel and unusual punishment. It was deliberately long and a excruciating way to die.

However, notice John doesn’t go into great detail about it, why? Because his readers were already familiar with crucifixion. They understood what was taking place.

Furthermore, how could you describe the agony and pain of being nailed to a piece of wood. So, John doesn’t focus on the suffering Jesus went through, and neither will I.

Notice the rest of Vs. 18, “and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.”

How fitting is this? The cross of Jesus Christ stands between the sinner and the redeemed. What I mean is we all remember the story of the thief on the cross, who in repentance asked to be remembered by Jesus, and Jesus said, “today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

However, how many remember the mocking of the other thief? The man on the other side of the cross.

Luke 23:39–43 “One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.””

All of the gospel writers mention the two thief’s. They were more than likely arrested with Barabbas, and are being executed with Jesus to humiliate Him and insult the Jews.

What John is presenting us is: Jesus the King of the Jews is dying beside common criminals. However, the Holy Spirit would use this for profound spiritual significance. This is the gospel!!

Jesus is on the cross that stands between heaven and earth, between God and man, and between the lost man and the redeemed.

This is the walk of the cross. What we have seen is: Jesus taken to a hill called Calvary, outside the city gate to atone for our sin. A place that is like our sin to be remembered no more, and the cross forever stands between the lost and the redeemed.

II. The Writing of the Cross Vs. 19-22

Pilate unknowingly, proclaims the truth of God, by what he places over the head of Jesus!!

Notice Vs. 19, “And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

The modern translations call this an inscription, because it was a placard, placed above the head of Jesus proclaiming His crime and what He was being crucified for.

However, I think it is fitting the KJV refers to this as a tittle, because that is truly what this is. It is a title from God. Jesus is indeed the King of the Jews. In fact, He is the King of world.

Ironically, this was a title placed on the cross to insult the Jewish leaders, but has become another one of those iconic statements from Pilate that will live forever.

As devious as Pilate was, he was also very strategic and cunning. Notice Vs. 20, “This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.”

We are told “this tittle was read by many of the Jews.” You have to remember this was the time of Passover and millions of Jews were returning home to Jerusalem for the celebration. And since the place where Jesus was crucified was “nigh the city.” In other words, outside the city gates near a main a entrance for all the people to see.

Also, notice Pilate wanted to make sure everyone understood the tittle: “it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.” In other words, no matter what language was spoken, it was clear for everyone to understand.

Isn’t it interesting Pilate intended to offend the Jews by calling Jesus their king and the world is still offended today because we call Jesus our king.

Furthermore, the world wants us to keep Jesus in the church and not place Him where people can see Him, and know He is our King!!

Also, it is important we recognize each gospel reports a slightly different tittle over the cross, probably because Pilate wrote it in three languages, and what we have is: a sum of what Pilate wrote.

Next, we see the Jews were indeed offended by this. Notice Vs. 21, “Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.”

The chief priest of the Jews was probably Caiphas, we don’t know because John doesn’t tell us. But he was the head of the Sanhedrin and someone the lesser officials could go to and complain.

He was someone they believed had the authority to go to Pilate and have this removed. No doubt Pilate had purposely misrepresented their charge against Jesus, however it was fitting.

What is interesting to me is; there are people in the world who say, Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God. They don’t understand the title Jesus was given, and what the Jews were charging Him with, and they clearly say it here in Vs. 21: “he said, I am King of the Jews.”

Notice Pilates response Vs. 22, “Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.”

It appears Pilate has suddenly developed a backbone and stands up to the Jews here. But, the reality is: God was not going to allow this tittle to be changed. Earlier, Gid allowed Pilate to be toyed with and intimidated by the Jews, but not now.

Now, this tittle was going to stick, and Jesus would forever be identified as the King, and there wasn’t anything these hypocritical Jewish leaders could do about it.

That is what I call the writing of the cross and it is ironic because the tittle of Jesus as King still offends so many today!!

III. The Wardrobe of the Cross Vs. 23-24

The garments Jesus wore, become the focal point of the story.

Look at Vs. 23, “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.”

As we read this passage you can’t help but think how sick this scene is. It is so depraved and lacks any sort of sympathy and compassion. It reminds me of psychopaths who take pleasure in torturing and humiliating their victims.

However, notice John doesn’t focus on any of that. John emphasizes the uniqueness and value of the coat of Jesus. Notice he speaks of it as being woven together, without a seam from top to bottom. It’s perfection!!

Then look at the beginning of Vs. 24 where he adds, “They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be:”

John is emphasizing the value of the kings clothes. How fitting is that? In mocking Jesus they were truly treating the garments He wore as valuable, like that of a king!!

The word “rend” in Vs. 24 means they didn’t want to rip it. Also, to cast lots for it, means they were gambling to try and win it as a prize.

Do not get me wrong, it is sick and demented that they wanted His clothing like a souvenir a serial killer saves from their victim. But truly John is emphasizing the value of the clothing of Jesus.

Finally, John interjects himself into the narrative at the end of Vs. 24 and says, “that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.”

This is a quote from what we call the Psalm of the cross. Psalm 22:18 “They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.”

Ironically, Jesus died naked in humiliation and shame but yet He clothes those who believe in the righteousness of God!!

And again, what we see is John taking the brutality of the cross and showing us the blessings of God. This was to fulfill scripture. This was God’s grand design.

The cross of humiliation became the cross of restoration. The punishment of Jesus fulfilled the promise of God!!

Jesus was not the victim, He was the victor, securing our salvation, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and is sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ]

That is the way He is presented in the gospels and that’s the way we should think of the cross today. Let Hollywood fantasize and make brutal movies about the cross. For believers it is a beautiful blessing of forgiveness and grace!!

The final thing I want to show you is:

IV. The Words of the cross Vs. 25-30

Before we get there, notice the women. The women were always faithful followers!!

Look at Vs. 25 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

The other gospel writers tell us there were even more women as part of this entourage, but they stood further away.

Finally, we get to see someone grieving over what is taking place in this story. You get tired of seeing the mocking and finally we see some compassion and sympathy!

For Mary, the mother of Jesus, this is fulfillment of prophecy. Luke 2:35, where she was told by an old man in the temple, “and a sword will pierce even your own soul.”

Also, for the first and only time in scripture we learn that Mary the mother of Jesus had a sister, although we are not given her name.

However, the women at the cross give us something we need. We see people who are grieving over the injustice taking place and that is something we can relate to.

Look at Vs. 26-27, “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Obviously the rest of Jesus family, His brothers and sisters were not in Jerusalem to care for Mary. So, Jesus commissions John to comfort her. We know this is the author John because he speaks of himself in the second person throughout his gospel.

What is important for us is: scholars have pointed out that when you harmonize the gospels you have seven sayings of Jesus on the cross.

1. Luke 23:34 When the soldiers were casting lots Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

2. Luke 23:42–43 comes from His conversation with the thief on the cross, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.””

3. are these words in Vs. 26-27, “Woman behold your son, and Behold your mother.”

4. Comes from Matthew 27:46 when Jesus cried out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?””

5 & 6 are here in John 19:28 & 30 Jesus says, “I thirst and it is finished.”

7. Luke 23:46 “And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last”

Scholars have pointed out how different this was from a normal crucifixion. Normally , a person cannot speak, their head slumps forward and they gasp for air. But, Jesus appears to be full of vigor when He dies able to speak and communicate.

That speaks of the fact that He died on His own terms. His life was not taken from Him but He willingly surrendered it.

John 10:17–18 NASB95

“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

Again, what John is showing us is: Jesus was not a victim of the cross but He was the champion of the plan of God!!

And as bloody and grotesque as the cross is to the world, It is the beauty and blessings of God to all who believe!!