John 19:31-42

Outline:

Let’s get a running head-start into our text this morning… John 19:28-30, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

John 19:31, “Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.”

Anytime you study the Gospel records concerning Jesus’ Week of Passion there is one thing very hard to avoid — the timeline for events! In fact, if your study leads to a harmonizing of the accounts, this particular issue grows all the more convoluted and controversial.

The truth is most Bible commentators sidestep any type of lengthy exposé into these matters often stating “it’s complicated” when details become difficult to reconcile. For example, in his commentary, David Guzik will acknowledge controversy, but fail to give definitive answers.

Concerning the precise chronological order of events commentator F.F. Bruce (who’s known for his attention to details) makes a worthy observation, “The discussions are irksome, and their results uncertain; and they are apt to take the attention off far more important matters.”

Honestly, I agree with Bruce’s sentiment and even Guzik’s approach. As I’ve prepped the last several studies and worked through the text the struggle as to whether or not I should commit any time in our travels in John to deal with the timeline of this week has been real.

There is no question the significance of what happens during this week was not only far-reaching, but world-altering. To divert attention from these important events by getting into the theological minutia over something not all that important would be inappropriate.