READ: Jn. 19:17–30: … What I have written, I have written …
How should we understand the inscription above the cross? Pilate has it written in three languages. The entire world must know his contempt for Jesus and the Jews.
But there is more. It is God the Father who strikes His Son, yes crushes Him, because He has taken on Himself the sins of all whom the Father has given Him (Is. 53:6,10). The Father has authority over Pilate (v.11). Why does the Father allow this inscription?
There is a connection to Jesus’ recent entry into Jerusalem, when the crowds cried: Hosanna … the King of Israel (12:13; Ps. 118:26). That concerns the Messianic King who was to come. Jesus intended it so: if they were silent, the stones would cry out (Lk. 19:40). The inscription shows that He is the promised Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of God.
He hangs in deep humiliation (Phil. 2:8) but will conquer as King. Precisely through the offensive cross (1 Cor. 1:23) He accomplishes reconciliation for those who believe, granting them eternal peace with the Father in His eternal Kingdom. The Jews want the inscription changed, but Pilate refuses, directed by the ruling hand of God.
Jesus hangs naked on the cross: a great shame from people and a curse from God (cf. Gen. 3:21). The soldiers leave His garment intact and cast lots for it, fulfilling Ps. 22:18.
Despite His horrific suffering, Jesus shows love and care for His mother, for whom this is extremely painful (cf. Lk. 2:35). He speaks to her and to John, who then takes her into his own home (v.26).
John does not mention the three hours of darkness but does record that Jesus knows all is finished and says clearly, “It is finished.” Before that, He says, “I thirst,” fulfilling Ps. 69:21. His agonizing thirst is part of His bitter, hellish suffering.
After drinking and speaking, He does not simply die but willingly gives up His spirit (cf. 10:18).
Could anyone assist Jesus in His suffering?
Sing: Ps. 22:5,6