John 19:16-27
Q.1. Where was Jesus crucified? What inscription recorded His crime? Did the Jews understand the claims of Jesus? – (Jn.19:16-22)
John told us that the Crucifixion of Jesus took place on Golgotha – the place of the skull. This place is recognisable today, although it is unlikely that the crucifixions took place on the top of this rocky outcrop, but rather on a ledge above the Via Delarosa that was freely accessible to all the passers-by. The Gospel accounts all record that during the Crucifixion there was dialogue between the soldiers, the religious leaders, and from Jesus to John himself, and the women (Jn.19:25-27). Both Pilate and the leaders accurately understood the claims of Christ – that He was the long-promised King of the Jews (i.e. the tribe of Judah). However, they rejected their Messiah.
Q.2. Why did the soldiers decide to cast lots for Christ’s robe? Could Jesus have orchestrated the fulfilment of the prophecy? – (Jn.19:23-25)
Of course this fulfilment could not have been orchestrated by Jesus Himself. It seems that the soldiers realized that this seamless robe would have been useless if torn apart. Therefore, they cast lots. John recorded – 24 … this was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My outer garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” 25 Therefore the soldiers did these things (Jn.19:24-25).
Q.3. Who were the companions of Jesus at His Crucifixion? To whom did Jesus give the responsibility of caring for His mother? Why? – (Jn.19:25-27 c.f. Jn.7:2-5)
The only disciple who accompanied the faithful women who followed Jesus to the end, was John. He made it clear that he was an eyewitness to it all – This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true (Jn.21:24). There were three Marys present – the mother of Jesus, her sister also named Mary (the wife of Cleopas), and Mary Magdalene. The Lord’s main concern was for His own human mother. She had other sons and daughters who did not believe in Jesus at the time and did not accompany their grieving mother (Jn.7:2-5 c.f. Mk.3:20-21). However, John was there. Jesus entrusted the responsibility of caring for Mary to His beloved disciple, John.