John 19:17-30

19:17 | The Place of the Skull was probably so named because it was the repository for the bones of all those who had been crucified by the Romans or by its physical shape. In cases of crucifixion, the victim’s family had to obtain permission to take down their loved one’s tortured body; if they did not, scavenger animals would devour the corpse and the remains would fall to the ground - a horrific end for first-century Jews, who highly valued a proper burial.

19:18 | Group crucifixions were common practice. The Romans staged such events as a public spectacle to remind passersby about who was in authority - and the dire cost of challenging that authority.

19:19-22 | A sign (a titulus) explaining the crime was frequently attached to a cross above the person’s head. The chief priests wanted Pilate to alter his wording on Jesus’ sign, fearful that someone might believe He really was King of the Jews. Although Pilate intended it to mock the Jews, the sign was accurate: Jesus was not just the King of the Jews but would prove Himself the King of kings through His death and resurrection (Rev. 1:4-5).

19:23-24 | The fact that the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes may seem insignificant, but John includes it because it is additional proof that Jesus was who He said He was (Psalm 22:18). Everything was happening that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

19:25-27 | Jesus cared for his widowed mother even from the cross. By assigning responsibility for her to John rather than one of His biological brothers, Jesus implied that His spiritual family superseded His biological family. Those who do the Father’s will are Jesus’ mother and brothers (Mark 3:34-35).

19:28-30 | Jesus finished His work on earth, fulfilling the requirements of the Scriptures as He hung on the cross (17:4). This was not the despairing cry of a helpless individual or the last gasp of a worn-out life. These were the declarations of the Redeemer - all He came from heaven to do was, in fact, done; the price for all human sin was paid.

19:30 | Between two thieves hung the One prophesied: the Seed of the woman, the Seed of Abraham, from the tribe of Judah, the Son of David, born of a virgin, born in Bethlehem, the Suffering Servant who would cleanse people of their sins. All these prophecies were now accomplished in Jesus’ life and death.