By all accounts, crucifixion was a brutal method of execution intended to extend suffering as long as possible. While Jesus’ crucifixion only lasted a few hours, there are other historical accounts of people suffering for days on a cross. Now, many words have been and could be written about Christ’s crucifixion. Our time today will emphasize what John chose to write in his Gospel.
In John’s account, there are four significant movements between crucifixion and death. There is a fulfillment of prophecy, the fulfillment of responsibility, the second fulfillment of prophecy, and the fulfillment of the mission.
John wrote, “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be”; this fulfilled the Scripture: “They divided My outer garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:23–30, NASB95)
The first movement is a fulfillment of prophecy. Psalm 22 was written about 1000 years before the events of Christ’s crucifixion. And yet that Psalm and its companion Psalm 23 foresee Christ’s death and purpose with detailed clarity. This is just one of those details, “They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:18, NASB95)
This particular prophecy is important because it was entirely out of Jesus’ or His disciple’s control. Skeptics can argue, without evidence, that the fulfillment of some other prophecies was staged. But not this one. No one could have manipulated the roman soldiers to cast lots for Jesus’ inner clothing. It’s a small detail, but one with significant implications.
The second movement may seem strange to us. Near the cross were four women, one of whom was Jesus’ mother. Jesus, being the firstborn in the family, had particular responsibility for His mother. To fulfill that responsibility, Jesus transferred Mary’s care to John. This should tell us something about how important God views family responsibilities. Remember that Jesus condemned the Pharisees for ignoring the needs of the family (Mark 7:9-13). Amid great suffering, Jesus honored His mother and saw to her care.
The third movement is more significant than it appears. “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth.” (John 19:28–29, NASB95) The blood loss from the scourging and crucifixion would have caused an enormous thirst. The scripture this event touches on is Psalm 69:21 – “They also gave me gall for my food And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” (NASB95) But this moment also has deep symbolism.
During the last supper in the other three Gospels, Jesus says, “for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”(Luke 22:18, NASB95) Perhaps we should read John 19:28 as “Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished to fulfill scripture said….” The other Gospels record that Jesus refused an earlier offer of sour wine (Matthew 27:34). Could it be that since all things were accomplished that God’s kingdom could now enter earth’s realm? I think so, although in a “here, but not fully here” reality.
The branch of hyssop is also a symbolic detail. The Israelites used hyssop to paint the blood of sacrificed lambs on the doorposts for the first Passover. Hyssop is also used for several purification and cleansing rituals described in Leviticus. The Psalmist writes, “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7, NASB95) It’s a small but meaningful detail reminding us of Christ’s mission.
The final movement John recorded could be called the fulfillment of the mission. “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30, NASB95) Those three words, “It is finished,” are powerful. Jesus’ purpose is complete. In the opening verses of John’s Gospel, we read, “The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NASB95) It is finished; the sacrifice of Jesus has taken away the sin of the world. There is nothing left undone. Nothing else that needs to be completed or added except for people to receive God’s gift of grace, forgiveness, and salvation.
What is this salvation like? To what shall we compare it? It is like a surprise package delivered to our door. A package that we didn’t order, and yet our name is on the label. We can either refuse its existence, ignore its delivery, put it off, or take the package inside and open it up. It is your choice. I made that choice in my youth, and I’ve never been sorry or disappointed with what continues to pour out of the box.
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The last paragraph is so philosophical and a blessing;
What is this salvation like? To what shall we compare it? It is like a surprise package delivered to our door. A package that we didn’t order, and yet our name is on the label. We can either refuse its existence, ignore its delivery, put it off, or take the package inside and open it up. It is your choice. I made that choice in my youth, and I’ve never been sorry or disappointed with what continues to pour out of the box.