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 (see Jn.19:17) This place is still 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 (supported by the interchange between Jesus and the spectators. Jesus was made to carry His own cross and was crucified between two criminals (see Jn.19:17-18). The Gospel accounts all record that during the crucifixion there was dialogue between the soldiers, the religious leaders, and from Jesus to John himself, including the women (see Jn.19:25-27). Pilate understood the claims of Christ and wrote an official inscription with the words– ‘Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews’ i.e. from the tribe of Judah (Jn.19:19). Though it was disputed by the chief priests, Pilate repudiated their appeals denying this claim (see Jn.19:21-22).
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, with Jesus nailed to the cross, this fulfilment could not have been orchestrated by Him. It seems that the soldiers realized that Christ’s robe was valuable and 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 Mary’s present – the mother of Jesus, her sister also named Mary (the wife of Cleopas), and Mary Magdalene (see Jn.19:25). The Lord’s main concern was for His own human mother (see Jn.19:26-27). She had other sons and daughters who did not believe in Jesus at the time and did not seembaccompany their grieving mother (see Jn.7:2-5 c.f. Mk.3:20-21; Lk.2:34-35). However, John was there. Jesus entrusted the responsibility of caring for Mary to His beloved disciple, John (see Jn.19:27).