The King’s Death

John 19:23-30

23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Notes

The writer reveals profound theological themes in the trial, condemnation, suffering, and crucifixion of the King of kings. One may observe God's sovereign hand in the events' details. The Lord foretold His death to His disciples, and the Messianic prophecies were also fulfilled (Isaiah 53). The author points out that no Messiah exists except the Lord Jesus. Aside from the sovereignty of God, we also see the Lord Jesus's faithfulness to fulfill the redemption mission. He endured pain and shame for the sake of all who would believe. One could not ignore the contrast of the failure of humanity seen in Peter and many others. Moreover, one sees the injustice of both Jews and Gentiles in His suffering and death.

1. King’s Garments

   The Roman soldiers in charge of crucifying Jesus decided to draw lots to divide the Lord’s tunic. Their action fulfilled a prophecy from Psalms (22:18). The significance of the prophecies fulfilled prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior who was promised and prophesied. The stripping away of the tunic also shows how the Lord was humiliated. He endured to fulfill the Father’s will.

   
   23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (John 19:23-24).
   

   Application: Christ humbled Himself to fulfill the mission given by the Father. Throughout the whole process, He trusted in the Sovereign work of God. He endured the pain and shame to save many. May we forever express gratitude for what He had to go through. Let us also humble ourselves to fulfill the mission He gave us.
   

2. King’s Family

   The Lord’s mother, her sister, and two others named Mary were near the cross. An unnamed disciple stood by them. Many believe the unnamed disciple to be the author of this writing. In Jewish custom, the eldest was supposed to care for the parents. Joseph was believed to have been deceased at this point. Jesus entrusted Mary to the disciple
   
   So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home (John 19:25-27).

   Application: Let us remain steadfast in times of trial, like the women at the foot of the cross and the unnamed disciple. Let us also show respect and care for our family members, especially the elderly. Let us also value the new spiritual family that we have in Christ Jesus.

3. King’s Finished Work

   Roman crucifixion can cause severe dehydration. Thus, He said that He was thirsty. The soldiers gave Him sour wine, which was cheap, diluted wine (Psalm 69:21). They used a hyssop branch, which is loaded with significance since it was used in the first Passover in Egypt, and for purification rites (Exodus 12:22, Psalm 51:7, Numbers 19:18). Jesus said that it was finished, meaning His work was completed.

   
   28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28-30).

   Application: Christ experienced suffering as a man, yet His divinity was also seen in the order of events. God is sovereign in every aspect. Let us trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Christ obeyed until the end, so we must obey until the end of our lives.

Reflection & Discussion

1. How does Jesus fulfill Scripture and show sovereignty in suffering?

2. What does 'It is finished' reveal about redemption's finality?

3. How did Jesus practice family obligations even in His suffering?