In John 18, you learned how to speak God’s word openly as His disciple and fulfill your destiny by persevering in the midst of betrayal, endure persecution, resist temptation toward comfort, embrace your role as Christ’s disciple, take up your cross and seek God’s kingdom by bearing witness to the truth. John 19 teaches the core attitudes in being His disciple so you can identify with Christ without reservations and resist being squeezed into the world’s mold.
Pilate scourged and soldiers put a crown of thorns on Jesus. After clothing Him in a purple robe, they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Pilate told the chief priests and officers to crucify Him themselves since he found no guilt in Jesus. The Jews said He should die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God. Jesus told Pilate that any authority over Him was given from above and those who delivered Him to Pilate had greater sin. When the Jews said Jesus opposed Caesar by saying He was a king, Pilate delivered Him to be crucified (John 19:1-16). Trust God’s sovereignty during tough times.
He bore His cross and was crucified with two other men. Many Jews read an inscription put on the cross, “Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews” (John 19:17-22). Bear your cross and don’t be concerned with others’ opinions of you.
The soldiers took Jesus’ outer garments, tunic and cast lots to fulfill Scripture. Mary, Jesus’ mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood by the cross of Jesus. He told John to take his mother, Mary, into his household (John 19:23-27). Stand on the promises of Scripture when circumstances get out of control.
When Jesus knew all things had been accomplished to fulfill Scripture, He said, “I am thirsty.” When He was given sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” and gave up His spirit (John 19:28-30). Surrender your life to God by trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
The soldiers did not break Jesus’ legs when they saw He was dead. Blood and water came out when a soldier pierced His side to fulfill Scripture. Jesus’ witness was true so those could know the truth and believe (John 19:31-37). Boast in the cross of Christ so you can be dead to the world.
Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate’s permission to take away Jesus’ body. He and Nicodemus who came to Him at night, bound Jesus’ body in linen wrappings with spices. They laid His body in a new tomb (John 19:38-42). Identify with Christ and be transformed into a bold witness of Him.
To resist being squeezed into the world’s mold:
1. Trust God’s sovereignty during tough times
2. Bear your cross and don’t be concerned with other’swhile being crucified to the world
3. Stand on the promises of Scripture when circumstances get out of control
4. Surrender your life to God by trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross
5. Boast in the cross of Christ so you can be dead to the world
6. Identify with Christ and be transformed into a bold witness of Him
