John 19:28-42 | Food for Thought
Questions
Even at the greatest moment of his suffering, Jesus’ enemies sought to make him more uncomfortable - not less.
Despite their efforts to ruin Jesus and make him miserable, what did Jesus get to say at the end of his life?
Based on what we’ve read in John, what is it, exactly, that Jesus says is finished?
How does this phrase, “[he] gave up his spirit,” point to the fact that Jesus has been in control this whole time?
Jesus has finished his work. But the Jews are getting to work in preparation for their day of rest, the Sabbath. To make sure they don’t break any ceremonial laws or make anything ceremonially unclean, they hurry to remove the dead bodies. (But first, they have to make sure the three crucified men are actually dead. By breaking their legs, it kept anyone still alive from using their legs to push themselves up, which they would do to make it easier to breathe. This would make death come quicker.)
What does this reveal about what the Jews cared more for? Where did they find their rest?
Read Psalm 34 and Zechariah 12, both quoted in this passage. Despite treating Jesus like the other two criminals hanging next to him, what does John say this scene reveals about who Jesus really is?
Why would John interject his own certainty into the telling of this story?
In contrast to the Jews, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus both prepare for the Sabbath by fixing their eyes on Jesus.
How have Joseph and Nicodemus changed their normal patterns of behavior in light of Jesus’ death?
Of all people, why might they be the ones to show up and publicly show their allegiance and care for Jesus at this point?
How does their response to the death and Jesus differ from the other Jews?
What does this reveal about where they find their rest?
Consider the events of this passage, and those leading up to it.
How was Jesus successful, vindicated, and exalted, despite the best efforts of his enemies?
How can we let the death of Jesus move us to changed lives like Joseph and Nicodemus?