This is Palm Sunday and the week leading to the event that changed the course of history. Jesus’ sacrificial death as our substitute atoning for our sin debt is the absolute fulfillment of the statement that “God is love.” John’s purpose throughout his gospel is to show the truth of Jesus as the Messiah and present Him as the one and only Son of God. He writes of his purpose in John 20:31: “but these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Jesus, the agent of creation, is the keystone of history - by his death, burial, and resurrection the past can make sense and the future will fall into place.
Verses 8-11 When Jesus was first arrested He was brought before the Jewish authorities and Caiaphas, the high priest. The Jews then brought Jesus to Pilate because they didn’t have the authority to execute Him. Pilate could find no offense with Jesus, but he was fearful of the Jewish crowd and how civil unrest would reflect on his leadership with those back in Rome. He hoped to create an out by releasing one prisoner (as was customary during Passover), but the crowd chose to release Barabbas instead. Hoping to pacify the crowd, Pilate had Jesus flogged he then attempted to release Jesus again. Pilate became even more afraid upon hearing Jesus’ claim to be the “Son of God.” Romans believed that the gods would often take on human form and interact with their subjects.
Jesus refused to respond to Pilate’s questions in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7. Pilate asks Jesus where He is from? He already knew Jesus was from Galilee, so he was hoping for an answer to clarify Jesus’ claims of deity. Since that didn’t work, Pilate in verse 10 tries another tactic. He reminds Jesus of his authority as an agent of the Roman Empire. He had the power to have Jesus released or crucified. I’m sure Pilate was quite startled when Jesus finally decided to speak. Yes, Pilate had the legal authority to release any prisoner, but that authority came only because God granted it. The leader guide states it this way: “God allows human leaders to exercise authority, but He maintains ultimate control.” Jesus knew His fate rested in the hands of the Heavenly Father.
Verses 16-18 The account of the crucifixion in John is very brief, while the other Gospels give a more detailed account. Historically we know crucifixion as a method of capital punishment was extremely cruel and brutal. We must also keep in mind that the immense emotional pain Jesus endured while on the cross as He cried out to the Father asking why He had been forsaken (Matthew 27:46). However, Jesus willingly offered Himself as the final blood sacrifice for sin. You have probably seen and read other accounts of the crucifixion that are equally dramatic and emotional from The Greatest Story Ever Told to The Passion of the Christ. The lesson commentary tells us: “The key thing to recall is the purpose for Jesus’ suffering. As the writer of Hebrews would later share, forgiveness required a blood sacrifice (Heb. 9:22). As sinners in rebellion against God, we deserve death and eternity in hell separated from God. But Jesus’ death paid the price we could never pay on our own. His death satisfied God’s righteous demands and opened the door for our salvation” (BSFL Sr Adult Leader Guide, 55).
What follows in verses 19-27 is descriptive of the scene on Calvary that day. Pilate over the protests of the Jewish authorities had a sign placed on the cross identifying Jesus as “The King of the Jews.” Also, these verses tell of the soldiers casting lots for Jesus garments fulfilling the words of Psalm 22:18. Then in verse 26 and 27, Jesus leaves the care of His mother in the hands of John.
The focal verses of the lesson follow in verses 28-30. Here Jesus while never failing to display His deity also demonstrated His humanity. After the words of the OT had been fulfilled and He had seen to His mother’s care, He declares that He is thirsty. He had probably not eaten since the Passover meal and had lost a great deal of blood. He was naturally be dehydrated. The merciful act of giving Him a drink also served to prolong His agony.
After this Jesus utters the words “It is finished.” The Greek term is tetelestai. This was a bookkeeping term which was stamped on a note when the debt had been paid in full. We know the sense of relief and satisfaction when we finally make the final payment on a large purchase. While we are in debt we have an obligation to make payment – through Christ that obligation no longer is in effect. His payment for our sin was once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). After these words Christ “bowed His head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). In all of this we must keep in mind no one took Jesus’ life from Him. He laid down His life voluntarily. This was done in the time, place, and method according to God’s perfect plan. While Good Friday seemed to be a terrible day it was the not the end because Resurrection Sunday was right around the corner.
Hopefully, the message of this lesson elicits a response of worship from your heart.
Chris Tomlin’s song The Wonderful Cross reflects the truth of the life-giving cross so well.
Three things:
· I hope this season will cause us to thankfully reflect on the salvation we have in Jesus. Eternal life is not earned or deserved but it is a gift from God. May we live a life of gratefulness to God for what He has done.
· This is also a reminder that I have been forgiven much. As one who has been forgiven, I also must forgive others. Is there some unforgiveness we have been holding on to? Now is the perfect time to find freedom and release any burden of bitterness we may be carrying.
· Pray. Ask God to show us someone we may invite to church to hear the message of hope in Christ. People may be more receptive to that invite in the Easter season.
