John 19:17-24
There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. – John 19:18
Starting today, we enter Holy Week, remembering together the journey that Jesus took to the cross for our salvation, all the way to His resurrection from the dead. Today’s passage recounts the crucifixion of Jesus. Unlike the other Gospel writers, John does not portray Jesus’ death and burial as the tragic end of His life. Instead, it is the climax of His life, where He fulfills the Father’s mission and brings to completion the prophecies of Scripture.
Right from the beginning of the passage, Jesus’ crucifixion is marked with uniqueness: He is declared the “King of the Jews.” Though we are unsure if Pilate intended this as mockery, we know that Jesus, the King of the Jews, did truly usher in the kingdom of God through His death and resurrection, leading those who believe in Him out of the kingdom of darkness into His kingdom of light.
Pilate wrote the sign “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, as if to proclaim to the whole world the extraordinary identity of Jesus. The eternal kingdom He established is not only for the Jewish people, but one that extends to the ends of the earth. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In this passage, we see Jesus carrying His own cross to Golgotha and being crucified between two other criminals. This highlights that Jesus was actively cooperating with God’s plan to fulfill His mission. The division of His clothes and undergarments by the soldiers also fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
To the author, the cross is not a tragedy—it is a mission. The cross is both suffering and victory; sorrow and joy; shame and glory. John also records Jesus referring to His crucifixion as “the hour for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). Even though our Lord Jesus knew the pain that lay ahead, He still willingly and courageously walked toward the cross.
This week, FMC’s Holy Week theme is “A Grain of Wheat.” We will reflect on Jesus’ life and His words: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24) Jesus is that grain of wheat who died so that we might have life.
Today, He also invites us to live like that grain of wheat. There are sinful desires in our lives that must first die, so that we may truly live the abundant life Jesus gives. Tomorrow, as we begin growing the green beans distributed by the church, may the Holy Spirit shine His light on us, to reveal the sins and bad habits we need to put to death so that by His grace, we may overcome. I believe that as we walk in obedience to His Word, we will truly live lives of freedom, joy, and fullness.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, King of kings, Thank You for saving me, for giving up all glory and power to take on flesh and to dwell among us. More than that, You gave up Your life so that someone as undeserving as I could receive life. This Holy Week, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the bondages and burdens in my life. Move me to lay aside every burden and sin that so easily entangles, and give me a persevering heart to run the race set before me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Starting today, we enter Holy Week, remembering together the journey that Jesus took to the cross for our salvation, all the way to His resurrection from the dead. Today’s passage recounts the crucifixion of Jesus. Unlike the other Gospel writers, John does not portray Jesus’ death and burial as the tragic end of His life. Instead, it is the climax of His life, where He fulfills the Father’s mission and brings to completion the prophecies of Scripture.
Right from the beginning of the passage, Jesus’ crucifixion is marked with uniqueness: He is declared the “King of the Jews.” Though we are unsure if Pilate intended this as mockery, we know that Jesus, the King of the Jews, did truly usher in the kingdom of God through His death and resurrection, leading those who believe in Him out of the kingdom of darkness into His kingdom of light.
Pilate wrote the sign “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, as if to proclaim to the whole world the extraordinary identity of Jesus. The eternal kingdom He established is not only for the Jewish people, but one that extends to the ends of the earth. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In this passage, we see Jesus carrying His own cross to Golgotha and being crucified between two other criminals. This highlights that Jesus was actively cooperating with God’s plan to fulfill His mission. The division of His clothes and undergarments by the soldiers also fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
To the author, the cross is not a tragedy—it is a mission. The cross is both suffering and victory; sorrow and joy; shame and glory. John also records Jesus referring to His crucifixion as “the hour for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). Even though our Lord Jesus knew the pain that lay ahead, He still willingly and courageously walked toward the cross.
This week, FMC’s Holy Week theme is “A Grain of Wheat.” We will reflect on Jesus’ life and His words: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24) Jesus is that grain of wheat who died so that we might have life.
Today, He also invites us to live like that grain of wheat. There are sinful desires in our lives that must first die, so that we may truly live the abundant life Jesus gives. Tomorrow, as we begin growing the green beans distributed by the church, may the Holy Spirit shine His light on us, to reveal the sins and bad habits we need to put to death so that by His grace, we may overcome. I believe that as we walk in obedience to His Word, we will truly live lives of freedom, joy, and fullness.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, King of kings, Thank You for saving me, for giving up all glory and power to take on flesh and to dwell among us. More than that, You gave up Your life so that someone as undeserving as I could receive life. This Holy Week, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the bondages and burdens in my life. Move me to lay aside every burden and sin that so easily entangles, and give me a persevering heart to run the race set before me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.