Good Friday (Part 3 – Crucifixion) – John 19:17-37

“It is a crime to put a Roman citizen in chains, it is an enormity to flog one, sheer murder to slay one; what, then, shall I say of crucifixion? It is impossible to find the word for such an abomination.” (Cicero – 1st Century BC)

“Let the very mention of the cross be far removed not only from a Roman citizen’s body, but from his mind, his ears.” (Cicero)

1. Jesus is…

“Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12)

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

2. Jesus is…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)

“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16)

3. Jesus is…

“they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:18)

4. Jesus is…

“One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side.” (John 13:23)

“So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” (John 20:2)

“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” (John 21:20)

“This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24)

“Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment…” (1 John 2:7)

“Beloved, we are God’s children now…” (1 John 3:2)

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit…” (1 John 4:1)

“Beloved, let us love one another…” (1 John 4:7)

“Beloved, if God so loved us…” (1 John 4:11)

5. Jesus is…

“For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me.” (Psalm 22:16-18)

“It shall be eaten in one house; you shall not take any of the flesh outside the house, and you shall not break any of its bones.” (Exodus 12:46)

“They shall leave none of it until the morning, nor break any of its bones; according to all the statute for the Passover they shall keep it.” (Numbers 9:12)