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Commentary On The Book of John

The Gospel of John Chapter 19

I will do the Gospel of John Commentary similar to my other Commentaries . . . in that I will bring the verse or verses in the KJV, followed by what it is saying to me. What I write will be a personal comment, it is NOT Scripture.

Gospel of John
Chapter 19

In this chapter we see a great miscarriage of justice. Rome was noted throughout the world for its justice. On every Roman official's desk there was the little figure of the two-faced god, Janus. One face looked forward and the other face looked backward. It is from this word “Janus” that we get the name January for the month that looks back to the old year and forward to the new year. That little idol, Janus, was to remind the judge to look at both sides of the matter. Rome ruled the world for nearly a thousand years. When the Romans took over a people, they promised them good roads, law and order, protection, and peace  . . . but their lives would be under a dictator. Rome ruled with an iron hand. In Roman courts the innocent got justice, and the guilty got justice . . .  NOT mercy, but justice. The shocking thing that makes this so absurd is that the trial of Jesus was one of the greatest miscarriages of justice that ever took place in the entire world!

Death Of Jesus At Golgotha (John 19:1-37)

John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. (KJV)

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him . . . seeing that the blood-thirsty Jews would not agree to His release, but insisted that Barabbas was the person they chose to be freed, Pilate really wanted to save Jesus’ life if at all possible, thought that if he scourged Him, it might quell the Jews outrage against Him. He ordered Jesus to be taken by the proper officers, and commanded Him to be scourged by them. From what I understand, this was done by having Him brought to a certain place, where He would be stripped naked, and tied hard and fast to a pillar, and severely beaten. Pilate did this, hoping the Jews would be satisfied with this, and agree to His release. This was an extremely unjust action for Pilate to scourge a man, in whom he could find no fault at all. It is very likely that Jesus was scourged in the Roman manner, which was much more severe than that of the Jews. The Jews never gave more than thirty-nine blows; for the law had absolutely forbidden a man to be abused, or his flesh cut in this chastisement. Deut. 25:3  Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee. (KJV) . . . “Vile unto thee” means to be beaten so cruelly and brutally that he would retain the marks, and become shameful in the eyes of his brethren. Correction was the object of this punishment of the Jews. Jesus was so horribly beaten that He bones were exposed. Psalm 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. (KJV) . . . This was NOT justice! This was sadistic!

John 19:2  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, (KJV)

And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns . . . (Mat.27:29) this was a symbol of His being surrounded by wicked men (Ps.22:16), sons of Belial, compared to thorns (2 Sam.23:6), while He hung suffering on the cross.
And put it on his head . . . in mockery of a kingly crown.
And they put on him a purple robe . . . this done in mockery of the imperial (King’s) purple.  Matthew says they first stripped Him of His own outer garment (Mat.27:28). The robe may have been the "gorgeous" one in which Herod arrayed and sent Him back to Pilate  (Lk.23:11). "And they put a reed into His right hand" (Mat.27:29) mocking the royal scepter. "And they bowed the knee before Him" (Mat.27:29). Matthew calls it a scarlet robe. It seems that they did anything possible by way of contempt, disrespect and mocking His character, the King of the Jews, to afflict and cause Him misery.

John 19:3  And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. (KJV)

And said, hail, King of the Jews! . . . they mocked Him when they said, Hail, King of the Jews . . . BUT . . . in their utter ignorance, they spoke a tremendous Truth, although not in their minds. The other writers speak of more shame offered Him. Mark 15:19  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. (KJV) . . . Some commentators  say they came and prostrated themselves before Him; bowed the knee unto Him, and addressed Him in a scornful way, as if He were an earthly monarch just come into his crown, mocking His Kingly office, and despising Him under that character . . . as so many do today! There are millions who refuse to have Him to reign over them, they reject Him as King; and then there are those who SAY they own Him as their King, yet disregard or disobey His commands. My friend, these are NO better than those scoffing Roman soldiers!
And they smote him with their hands . . . the Roman soldiers were all too willing to mock and batter their innocent prisoner (Mat.27:26-30), which all was a very pleasing scene to the wicked Jews, whose hard and unyielding hearts were not moved an inch. They did NOT do what Pilate wanted them to do.

John 19:4  Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. (KJV)

Pilate therefore went forth again . . . when the unmerciful flogging to Jesus was over,  Pilate went out again to the Jews who stood waiting.
And saith unto them, behold I bring him forth unto you . . . Pilate had ordered that Jesus be brought out by the soldiers. Can you possibly imagine the condition of our dear Saviour? That ye may know that I find no fault in him . . . I wonder if Pilate was moved any at all by this disgusting charade of justice. For the second time he tried to unburden his feeling of guilt by pronouncing Jesus not guilty (Jn.18:38).

John 19:5  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! (KJV)

Then came Jesus forth . . . as soon as Pilate had said these words, they brought Jesus out of the place where He had been scourged to the Jews. These wicked men (Jer.5:26; Mat. 21:41), now see what had been done to Him, how severely He had been scourged, and in what disrespect and contempt He had been through, and what barbarous treatment had been used on Him.
Wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe . . . can you imagine how they put that crown of thorns on Jesus? It was NOT done gently by any means. They crushed it on His Head in a violent and forceful manner. I remember a horrible thorny bush in Arizona. It was about 4 or 5 feet high from what I can remember, but it was very impressive. Its many long thorns had thorns, similar to the thorns on the Texas “Honey Locust” tree.  I asked someone what it was, they said it was called “Corpus Christi” and it was the bush used to make the “crown of thorns” they put on Jesus’ Head. With strong, long thorns in all directions, the Head of our dear Lord had to be torn to the bone, with His Blood running freely. His Face and Eyes were swollen from the blows He had received from the soldier’s fists, and smeared with His own Blood and the soldiers' spit . . . His precious Body appeared to be almost the same color of the purple (or scarlet) robe, through the stripes and lashes He had received.
And Pilate saith unto them, behold the man . . . I would want to think that Pilate thought the appalling spectacle of Jesus would melt their hearts, but it only sharpened their appetite for yet more suffering to the Man they hated so and considered their opponent in religion and power. Possibly the sight of the weak, beaten, robed and thorn-crowned Saviour so moved the cowardly governor that he uttered those now-famous words, Behold the man! Pilate did not dare say “their King” for that would have provoked them even further, although he did say this afterward, when he saw that he could not get them to agree to Jesus’ release.

John 19:6  When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. (KJV)

When the chief priests therefore, and officers, saw him . . . in this pitiful condition, in His mock dress, and having on Him all the marks of the cruel treatment He had been through, should have been sufficient to have moved a heart of stone.  These were the most important men of the priesthood, and who had made great pretense to religion and piety. The officers were their servants and attendants, all of them familiar with sacred responsibilities.  At the least, this should have influenced them to at least show mercy and compassion to their fellow man. It did the exact opposite!
They cried out, saying, Crucify him, Crucify him . . . these wicked men were an angry mob, repeating their revolting request; revealing their impatience, malicious malignity and violence, and . . . although they did not know it, demanding the kind of death the Scriptures had prophesied.  Crucify Him, crucify Him: (Mk.15:13-14; Lk.23:21; Lk.23:21; Jn.19:6,15).  When men are set and steadfast on evil, they simply cannot be reasoned with. Every argument tends to infuriate them all the more, and they press on in wickedness with the more intensity. Thus it is that sinners go in the way of wickedness down to death (Pro.5:5; 7:27; Eze.28:8; 31:14). These souls lack in reason and wisdom, even when God clearly and faithfully warns them and their friends may rebuke them.
Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him . . . Pilate was weary from their non-stop, persistent and repeated demands, but he was determined not to consent to their conduct. It came down to this: "I am satisfied of His innocence, and shall not pronounce the sentence of death. If you are set on the death of this innocent Man, YOU take Him and put Him to death. It shall be your responsibility, you shall bear the consequences. It will not be done with my consent.”  

John 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. (KJV)

The Jews answered him . . . seeing they could not make the charge of sedition against Jesus, and that Pilate would not condemn Him to death for that reason, they try something else . . . and charge Him with blasphemy (Lev.24:16).
We have a law . . . meaning the law of Moses, which they had received by his hands from God.
And by our law he ought to die . . . Lev. 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death. (KJV)
Because he made himself the Son of God . . . the Jews considered His assuming this title, the same as blasphemy (Jn.5:18; 10:30,33,36), and therefore condemned Him. Consider the conduct of these evil men . . . they had a keen ability in imposing on Pilate's ignorance their laws, and too, see just how little regard that they themselves had to them! They are demanding crucifixion instead of stoning. There is a great difference between the two! And their inconsistency within themselves, pretending before that it was not lawful for them to put any man to death . . . and now, all of a sudden, they have a law, and by that law, in their judgment, He should die. These men were bent on Jesus being crucified! Little did they know that they were doing exactly as God wanted them to do, assist in Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecies!  Acts 2:23  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: (KJV)

John 19:8  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; (KJV)

When Pilate therefore heard that saying . . . that Jesus had declared Himself to be the Son of God, and that the Jews had a law to put such a person to death that was guilty of such blasphemy . . .
He was the more afraid . . . to put Him to death, or to consent to it, partly because he was afraid of offending the Sanhedrin, partly because he believed Christ was innocent and partly because of his wife's message to him, Mat. 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. (KJV)

John 19:9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. (KJV)

And went again into the judgment hall . . . back into where he came from, taking Jesus with him, so that he could privately interrogate Him.  
And saith unto Jesus, whence art thou? . . . Pilate did not mean from what country, for he knew Jesus was a Jew. Nor did he mean what place He was born, whether it was Bethlehem or Nazareth, for this did not matter to him. He meant: Who are your ancestors? Was His descent from the gods, or from men? And if from a god, which one?  Since Pilate was a Heathen, it must be considered that he would speak as one.
But Jesus gave him no answer . . . because his question did not deserve an answer, Jesus gave no answer. He was not worthy of one, who had abused Him so horribly, when he knew, in his own mind, that Jesus was innocent. Neither was Pilate capable of taking an answer, or was he able to judge whether it was right or wrong; since Christ came to die for the salvation of His people, He would not say anything that might by any means hinder it. Jesus had already told him that His Kingdom was not of this world; and that He came to raise a spiritual kingdom, NOT a temporal one (Jn.18:36-37). This answer Christ believed to be sufficient; and He did not choose to satisfy this coward’s curiosity, nor to enter into any possible debate concerning the absurdity of the heathen worship.

John 19:10  Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? (KJV)

Then saith Pilate unto him . . . Pilate was really angry with Jesus, and resented His silence, considering it contempt of him.
Speakest thou not unto me? . . . Pilate no doubt wondered why Jesus had no fear of him, who was the Roman governor, His judge, and who had the power of life and death in his hands. Jesus’ silence was very confusing to him, a person who was used to much dignity, for being in so high and exalted position.
Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? . . . he proudly boasted of his authority to kill Him or free Him. There was an immediate change in Pilate, from a man of fear, to vain and arrogant boasting. Now, Pilate was afraid of the divine power of Christ, if in fact He were the son of God . . . so he brags of his own power as man, and threatens Christ with his authority to punish Him with crucifixion if he so desired.

John 19:11  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (KJV)

Jesus answered . . . with great freedom and boldness, for He was not one bit worried with his threatenings or proud boasts.
Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above . . . Jesus did not mean the Jewish Sanhedrim, or the Roman emperor, or senate of Rome, the higher powers  of man . . . by whom Pilate was made governor of Judea, and a judge in all cases relating to life and death. Jesus told Pilate: “You could not do one thing unless my Father permitted it.” Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: (KJV)
Therefore he that delivered me unto thee, hath the greater sin . . . Jesus told Pilate that it was a sin for Pilate to condemn Him, because in his mind he knew that Jesus was innocent, but the Jews who delivered Him to Pilate, and Judas who delivered Jesus to the Jews, have the greater sin to answer for. Jesus was not excusing Pilate for reacting to the political pressure placed on him. Pilate was certainly responsible for his decision about Jesus, but  Caiaphas and the other religious leaders were guilty of a greater sin because they deliberately premeditated Jesus' murder.

John 19:12  And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. (KJV)

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him . . . Pilate backed away from Jesus’ threats, and tried in every way to get the Jews to agree to His release. His reasons being; his belief that Jesus was innocent, and now, his dreaded fear that He might be a Divine Being, his belief that Jesus just might be the Son of God, or that He was more than just a Man. Pilate perceived that power went along with Jesus’ Words, because of the effect they had on him. BUT . . . even though Pilate wanted to release Jesus, he did NOT do it, nor did he use the power he had boasted he had. 
But the Jews cried out, saying, if thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend . . . these “Jews” were the chief priests, Scribes and elders of the people, by whom the common people were stirred up to demand His crucifixion. When Pilate again wanted to release Jesus, these made even a greater outcry, and in a much more unruly way. Pilate would show little regard to Caesar, whom he represented, and in whose name he acted if he released Jesus according to them. This was a great piece of shrewdness on their part, it was an instance of great hypocrisy in them, to pretend a regard to Caesar, when they detested paying homage to him, and would have been glad to have been free from his yoke and government. It a sort of threat to Pilate, as if they would bring a charge against him to Caesar, should he let Jesus go.
Whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against Caesar . . . the Jews now return to their former charge of sedition, seeing that the charge of blasphemy was not working. Their evil reasoning is very deceptive and unreliable. For although whoever set himself up as a temporal king in any of Caesar's territories, must be an enemy of his, a rebel against him,  and might be interpreted as high treason . . . Christ did NOT say that He was such a king as that . . . He did just the opposite . . . saying that His Kingdom was not of this world, so He did NOT assume any part of Caesar's dominions and government. And although the Jews would have taken Him by force, and made Him a King, he refused it, and got out of their hands (Jn.6:15).  John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (KJV)

John 19:13  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. (KJV)

When Pilate therefore heard that saying . . .that freeing Jesus would show him as an enemy to Caesar . . . and they gave him good reason to think that they would accuse him to Caesar of disloyalty and treason if he let a “King” go. And Pilate, knowing very well the jealousy and suspicions of Tiberius, and fearing that it might bring about his own disrepute and disadvantage, immediately . . .
He brought Jesus forth . . . Pilate had Jesus brought in to where he was, NOT to declare His innocence, NOT to release Him, but to pass sentence upon Him.
And he sat down in the judgment seat . . . Pilate had sat but little here, but was repeatedly going in and out to question Jesus, and to speak with the Jews. But, now, considering what the Jews had said, he takes his place, and sits down as a judge, ready to give the finishing blow to this situation that had tangled his nerves.
In the place that is called the pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha . . . this place was from what I can gather, a tessellated platform, arranged in or having the appearance of a mosaic form, and was called "the pavement of stones" because it was paved with smooth, square, hewn stones. It was outside the praetorium, on the western hill of Jerusalem. The Praetorium was a common hall (Mat.27:27; Mk.15:16; Jn.18:28; 19:9), a judgment hall (Acts 23:35).  

John 19:14  And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! (KJV)

And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour . . . John marks the exact time when this incredible judgment was delivered. The preparation to any feast means the day before it. Some doubt whether in this place the Passover means strictly the paschal supper, which it could not do if the Jews strictly this year kept to the law; for the fourteenth day of the month Nisan at evening was the time when Christ kept it (Jn.13:1-4), who ate it the night before. It could be that by the Passover here is meant their great festival, which was upon the fifteenth day. John tells us it was about the sixth hour, that is, in the latter part of the interval between nine o'clock in the morning and twelve at noon, because  . . . The division of the day according to the Jews was in four parts: #1. the third hour, from sunrise to 9:00AM. #2. the next was from the third hour to the sixth hour, that is, from 9:00AM to 12:00 noon.  #3. the third division was from their sixth hour to the ninth hour, that is, 3:00PM; #4. the fourth division was from the ninth hour to sunset, from 6:00PM to sunset. So, not only the time when any of these hours came was called either the third or sixth hour, but the time period of three hours allotted to each division was so called, until the next division began. So the time of our Saviour's crucifixion is recorded by Mark to be the third hour (Mk.15:25), and that could be any time within the period from nine to twelve o'clock, although it was near the end. And by what John says here, it was about the sixth hour, that is, near our twelve o'clock. There are many conflicting stories, but I think this makes the different thoughts reconciled. http://orthodoxwiki.org/Hours . . . http://www.jewfaq.org/calendar.htm
And he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! . . . this may have been intended as sarcasm, or perhaps one last try to move upon their affections, that they might agree to release Jesus, and to shame them out of putting such a poor, flogged Man to death. He could have been rebuking them for their stupidity, in fearing anything from such a peaceful and righteous a Man as Jesus. The Jews had rejected the divine King, and had chosen Barabbas instead to live, and now they choose Caesar as their king instead of the God's Anointed. To Caesar's tender mercies they committed themselves, and in just a short time, Caesar will come down on them in great wrath. The choice they had made sealed the fate of their city and their nation.

John 19:15  But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. (KJV)

But they cried out, Away with him . . . Jesus was a Person despised and detested by them. They could not bear the sight of Him. The words they said were with great fury and rage, and with great forcefulness and intensity, in a very riotous way; repeating the words over and over.
Away with him . . . they were so impatient, they could not wait until Jesus was ordered away for execution. Nothing would satisfy them but His crucifixion.
Crucify him . . . this they also repeated (Lk.23:21; Jn.19:6). This was said by the chief priests. His death was what they thirsted after, and were so intent upon. Mat. 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. (KJV) . . . How terribly sad! 
Pilate saith unto them, shall I crucify your King? . . . we do not know if Pilate said this in a serious manner, or mocking them.
The chief priests answered, we have no king but Caesar . . . total and absolute denial that GOD was their King! Sad because they say  in their prayers: "we have no king but God." The Jews totally rejected the government of their King Messiah. Hosea 3:4  For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: (KJV)
Because of their disbelief and rejection of the Messiah, their destruction was rushing ahead at break-neck speed. Soon after the crucifixion of their Messiah, ALL power was taken away from them. Their government was entirely seized by the Romans, and utterly destroyed. What they were afraid that Jesus would do . . . they did, "the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation" (Jn.11:48). BEWARE!!! Please do NOT judge the Jews. They are still God’s people! God loves them dearly and one day, they shall finally see the LIGHT! Pray for them. 

John 19:16  Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. (KJV)

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified . . . when Pilate saw that nothing would satisfy them but His death . . . he proceeded to pass sentence on Him, and gave Jesus over to them. All was done in a official way, and all was done by divine appointment  according to the counsel and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23). This was not until after Pilate had washed his hands (Mat.27:24), to show by that symbolical action, that he was innocent of the death of Christ. We do not know why John omits this event.  
And they took Jesus and led him away . . . away from the judgment hall, out of the city to the place of execution. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, without opening His mouth (Isa.53:7) against God or man. He conducted Himself with supreme patience, meekness and resignation.

John 19:17  And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: (KJV)

And he bearing his cross . . . which was usual for malefactors (criminals) to do. There is a saying: “the cross is like to death, and he that is to be fixed to it, first must bear it.” When Christ Jesus first went out to be crucified, He carried His cross Himself, until the Jews, meeting with Simon the Cyrenian, compelled him to carry it for Him (Mk.15:21; Lk.23:26). The shape of the cross is highly debated. I have always been led to believe that His crucifixion took place on a two-part cross: the upright pole and the cross piece, possibly the part carried by Jesus. One cult insists it was just a single pole. Many say that Jesus most likely died on a cross in which the upright beam projected above the shorter crosspiece. I can find nothing Biblically, to prove what kind of cross it was. The Romans were not particular how they crucified people. They used crosses, poles, stakes, upside-down crosses, x-shaped crosses, walls, roofs, etc. We really do not know what shape the cross was on which Jesus was crucified, but we do know that whatever shape it was, it did NOT affect or hinder the perfection or sufficiency of His Sacrifice. Thank You Jesus!
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4776-cross    
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4782-crucifixion
Went forth in a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha . . . He bore it alone at first, but it came to a point where He could no longer carry it because of His weakened condition. Psalm 22:14-17 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. (KJV) . . . When Jesus could no longer “bear” the cross, Simon, a Cyrenian, was compelled to carry it for Him. Mat. 27:32-33 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, (KJV) . . . It seems that this is where they executed malefactors (criminals), and where they buried them. Some say that in the process of time, their bones were dug up to make room for others, and their skulls and other bones, lay all around in this place. Others say that some victims were not taken down from the cross, and after a while, their bones just fell to the ground. I do not know. Jesus was take down.
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/6778-golgotha http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvary

John 19:18  Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. (KJV)

Where they crucified him . . . at Golgotha, the same as Calvary. The Jews finally had what they wanted so badly,
And two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst . . . "malefactors" Lk.23:33), "thieves" (Mat.27:38; Mk.15:27).  On either side one and Jesus in the midst  . . . what a Satanic scheme, to hold Him up as the worst of the three. But in this, as in many other of their doings, "the scripture was fulfilled (Isa.53:12), And he was numbered with the transgressors" (Mk.15:28). But as I see it, this prophecy reaches much deeper. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk.23:34). The Scripture was also fulfilled which said, "And He made intercession for the transgressors" (Isa.53:12), this too, reaching much deeper (Acts 3:17; 13:27). As we study Scripture, we can clearly see how our Lord is the first to fulfill His own teachings. Mat. 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (KJV) . . . Our precious Saviour gives us the right understanding and He is the Perfect Model of His teachings!
John 19:19  And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. (KJV)

And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross . . . John says Pilate wrote a “title," Matthew and calls it “His accusation” (Mat.27:37), Mark calls it “the superscription of his accusation” Luke calls it “a superscription” (Lk.23:38).  
And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS . . . the words written in the title, all boiled down to the Truth . . . Jesus was the King of the Jews! Jesus was His Name, by which He was commonly called and known, and means a Saviour, because He is elected by God to be so. Jesus saves people from their sins, by bearing those  in His own Body on the cross. He was well able and perfectly willing, to go to the cross as the One and Only Everlasting Saviour! He is said to be of Nazareth, the place where He resided, the place where Joseph and Mary lived before His conception. It was in Nazareth where He was conceived (Lk.1:26-27). Although born in Bethlehem (Mic.5:2; Mat.2:1), He did not stay there long, but moved to Nazareth until He was about thirty years old. This title was sometimes given to Jesus as a term of reproach, but not always. The “King of the Jews" both states His accusation, and states Him to be so.

John 19:20  This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. (KJV)

This title then read many of the Jews . . . there were many Jews there, at the place of His execution, rejoicing at His crucifixion, and insulting and mocking Him as He hung on the cross (Ps.22:6-8; 29:7-12,19-20; 88:8; Isa.53:3).
For the place where Jesus was crucified, was nigh unto the city . . . Golgotha, the place of Christ's crucifixion, was not more a quarter of a mile from Jerusalem. Multitudes were always going there to see people crucified. . . . How sick!!! . . . Jerusalem, at that time, was full of people, because of the feast of the Passover.
And it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin . . . that it might be read by all, Jews, Greeks and Romans, to show that He IS the Saviour of some people of ALL nations; and that He is King over all. The sign was written in three languages: Hebrew for the native Jews, Latin for the Roman occupation forces, and Greek for foreigners and Jews visiting from other lands. In a double ridicule, the multi-lingual sign declared that Jesus was Lord of all, and my friend, He is! 

John 19:21  Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. (KJV)

Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate . . . these chief priests were all up in arms and greatly offended by this sign above Jesus, partly because it was doing too great an honor to Jesus to call Him the King of the Jews, and partly because it set a ridicule and ill repute upon their nation, that a king of theirs should be crucified. So they run to Pilate.
Write not the King of the Jews . . . because they did not, in any way, own Him for their King, which this title was suggesting, and they certainly did not think that He had any right to such a character. They wanted Pilate to change the wording to the following . . .
But that he said, I am King of the Jews . . . the Jews thought it would be a disgrace to them, that Christ should be considered as their King, therefore they demanded an alteration of the writing, wanting Him to be thought to be a rebellious person and a traitor; one that laid claim to the temporal crown and kingdom of Israel, and one that suffered justly for attempts of that kind. “The chief priests of the Jews” . . . this expression is used only here. These people were NO longer God's priests!

John 19:22  Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. (KJV)

Pilate answered, what I have written I have written . . . Pilate was NOT going to change it!

John 19:23  Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. (KJV)

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus . . . the crucifixion of Christ was at the request of the Jews, was ordered by the Roman governor, and performed by the Roman soldiers. These soldiers were unmerciful, sinful men into whose hands Christ was delivered. "When they had crucified Jesus" . . . none of  Gospel writers describe the death of Christ. The Bible tells us many things about it, but there are things about the cross and the crucifixion that are meant to be hidden from us. God pulls down a dark veil on many of the details. Darkness covered the land so the people could not see anything (Mat.27:45; Mk.15:33; Lk.23:44). Personally, I think that we need to know and understand about Jesus’ suffering and death, but I do not think that a TRUE Christian truly wants to know all the gory and gruesome details. I think that only a sadist would want to satisfy their idle curiosity. I believe, no, I know, that there was a supernatural transaction that day, between the Father and the Son that took place while our Lord Jesus was on that cross. It was a divine matter for the sins of the world, which is far beyond our meager comprehension. The only thing that we can do is to accept by faith the forgiveness that is made ours through Christ's death on the cross. Have you done this?
Took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part . . . they had stripped Jesus’ Body of all His clothing, crucifying Him naked. It seems that it was usual for executioners to have the clothes of the persons they put to death. It seems there were four of these soldiers who took part in this (Mat.27:35; Mk.15:24; Lk.23:24). Psalm 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (KJV)  
And also his coat . . . His upper garment.
Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout . . . a tunic or inner garment was worn next to the skin. It usually had sleeves, and usually reached down to the knees and sometimes to the ankles (Mat.5:40; Lk.6:29; Acts 9:39). Wearing two of them was considered luxury, so they were forbidden to the apostles (Mat.10:10; Mk.6:9; Lk.3:11; 9:3). Apparently His “coat” is a peasant's garment that someone had made for Him. The soldiers cast lots for it . . . rolled dice at the foot of the Cross. Although these Roman soldiers do not know it, they are fulfilling prophetic Scriptures: "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture" (Ps.22:18).

The coat was without seam . . . many have seriously doubted whether this can be true, for they say that nothing with sleeves can be woven without a seam. But Baun, de Vest. Sacer. Heb. l. 1, c. 16, has proved, not only that such things were done by the ancients, and are still done in the east, but himself got a loom made, on which these kinds of tunics, vents, sleeves, and all, were woven in one piece. Was without seam . . . Josephus (Antiq., b. 3 chapter 8, Section 4) says of the garment or coat of the high priest that "this vesture was not composed of two pieces, nor was it sewed together upon the shoulders and the sides; but it was one long vestment, so woven as to have an aperture for the neck. It was also parted where the hands were to come out." It seems that the Lord Jesus, the great High Priest of His people, had also a coat made in a similar manner as the high priest..

Our Lord Jesus was now in the majestic office of High Priest (Heb.7:27; 9:12,14,26; 10:10,12,14), and was about to offer the atoning Offering for the sin of the world . . . the Lamb of God (Jn.1:29,36) . . . Himself! . It is worthy of mention that the very dress mentioned, was similar to that of the Jewish high priest. It is very likely that this was the same as that upper garment which the soldiers divided among them, it being probably of a costly material. The Jews say that Moses ministered: and of this sort and make was the robe of the high priest, said to be of "woven work" (Ex.28:32), "and not with a needle", it was all woven, and without any seam, so the Jews say.

John 19:24  They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (KJV)

They said therefore among themselves . . . when the soldiers saw what an interesting piece of work the coat (robe) was, they decided that it was pity to cut it into parts, which would have rendered it entirely useless if it were cut up.
Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be, that the Scripture might be fulfilled . . . not that these Roman soldiers knew anything of the Scripture, or had any intention of fulfilling it. My friend, they were so directed by the providence of God, to take such a step; whereby was literally accomplished the passage in (Ps.22:18).  
Which saith, they parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots . . . the entire 22nd Psalm is to be understood of the Messiah, not of David, as some do. Many Passages in it cannot be applied to David, such as speak of the dislocation of His bones, the piercing of His Hands and Feet, and the parting His garments, and casting lots for His vesture. ALL of which had their literal accomplishment in Jesus.
These things therefore the soldiers did . . . because it was before hand determined and predicted what they should do. They were inclined and directed by a divine, superior influence, in perfect agreement with the freedom of their wills to do these things. This complete account must be spiritually applied.

1. John 19:25  Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. (KJV)
   
   Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother . . . His mother stood very near, not only where she could see Him, but to hear Him speak. This had to be a very hurtful sight, which was the fulfilling of Simeon's prophecy. Luke 2:35  (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (KJV) . . . She was seeing her beloved Son and Redeemer (Lk.1:46-55) in great agony and sorrow, being insulted and mocked by the worst of wicked men. In my humble opinion, this shows that she stood in need, as all others, of a crucified Saviour, for ALL people are sinners and in need of forgiveness (Jn.8:7). His mother was NOT a co-partner with Him in making satisfaction for sin, as the Catholics falsely say. Heresy: (Mat.15:9; Acts 15:24; 1 Cor.11:19; 1 Tim.4:1; Tit.3:10; 2 Pet.2:1; 3:17). http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_catholic_laws_rituals_wrong.htm http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_catholics.1.htm
   

And his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas . . . (Mat.27:55-56; Mk.15:40-41; Lk.23:49). She was no doubt a believer in Christ, and came and stood by His cross; not just to keep her sister company, but out of affection to Jesus, and to show her faith in Him.
And Mary Magdalene . . . out of whom He had cast seven devils (Lk.8:2). This woman was a TRUE believer in Him. She loved Him dearly, as do all God’s children, and she devotedly and enthusiastically  followed Him to the last. These three Marys followed Christ to the cross, and stood by Him. These women, the weaker sex, stood by Him when all His apostles forsook Him and fled, all except John. None of them were at the cross, except John, not even Peter, who boasted so much of his attachment to the Lord.  These faithful women standing by the cross of Christ, weeping as they look upon a crucified Christ, shedding tears of affection and sympathy with Him.

John 19:26  When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! (KJV)

When Jesus therefore saw his mother . . . standing near Him, close enough to hear His Voice. I am certain that He had concern for her temporal, as well as for her eternal good.
And the disciple standing by . . .meaning the apostle John, either by His cross or His mother, or both.
Whom he loved . . . meaning John, the writer of this Gospel, who for modesty's sake often describes himself in this manner (Jn.13:23; 21:7). It seems that John is distinguished by Christ from the rest, by some unusual character marks of affection as Man . . . BUT as God, and as the Redeemer, He loved all His apostles alike, as He does all His true and faithful followers.
He saith unto his mother, woman, behold thy son . . . Jesus means John, not Himself, for the apostle was her son, not by nature or adoption . . . but who would reveal himself as her son, by his affection, care, honor and respect to her. Christ does not call her “mother,” but “woman,” (Jn.2:4) NOT out of disrespect to her, or as being ashamed of her, but possibly because He might not raise her passions by speaking tenderly to her, and too possibly to conceal her from the crazy mob, lest she would be exposed to rude insults, and last but not least . . . to let her know that all natural relation was now ceasing between them. He would no longer be her Son, for His life on Earth as Man was now over. He would soon be seated at the right hand of God His Father as Advocate, Mediator and Redeemer, for ALL people, including His mother! 

John 19:27  Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (KJV)

Then saith he to the disciple . . . the same John.
Behold thy mother . . . take care of her, provide for her as if she was your own mother. It is possible that at this time, Joseph was dead and Mary was a widow. Jesus puts the care of His beloved mother into the hands of a trusted friend, knowing that she would be cared for properly cared for. This is an instance of His humanity, and His regard to every duty, and this in particular, of honoring parents, and providing for them in distress, and old age. Far too many elderly are simply plopped into nursing homes and forgotten. I speak from experience. I volunteered many years in nursing homes and have seen it. SO sad!!!
And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home . . . or to his house. Some say she lived with John at Jerusalem, and died there. Others say, that she died in the twelfth year after the resurrection of Christ, being 59 years of age, and was buried by John in the garden of Gethsemane. Where John’s house was is not certain, at Jerusalem or in Galilee. It is also not certain how long she lived with him, but this should not to be doubted, because he took care of her, and provided for her, as if she was his own mother. I am certain that John did this cheerfully and willingly and with great love to Christ and His mother. His readiness to comply with Jesus’ orders shows his heartfelt love for Him. May we all be more like John.

John 19:28  After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. (KJV)

After this . . . after Jesus had committed His mother to the care of John, which was about the sixth hour, before the darkness came over the land. It would still be about three hours after this, before He died.  
Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished . . . were as good as finished, all things relating to His sufferings, and the conditions of them, which were before hand appointed by God, and foretold in prophecy, and of which Christ had perfect knowledge.
That the Scripture might be fulfilled . . . so many prophecies were fulfilled by His crucifixion. Crucifixion prophecies: #1 Gen.3:15; Jn.12:31-32  #2. Dan.9:26; Jn.11:50-52 #3. Ps.41:9; Mk.14:10-11 #4. Zec.13:7; Mk.14:50  #5. Zec.11:12; Mat.26:15 #6. Zec.11:13; Mat.27:3-7  #7. Isa.53:7; 1 Pet.1:18-20 #8. Isa.50:6; Mat.27:26-30 #9. Isa.52:14; Ps.22:18; Mat.27:26; Jn.19:1  #10. Ps.69:9,19-20; Mat.26:55,66 #11. Ps.35:11; Mk.14:55-57  #12. Isa.53:7; Mat.27:13-14 #13. Isa.53:4-6,10-11; Jn.19:16-19 #14. Isa.53:12; Lk.23:32-33 #15. Ps.22:16; Jn.20:25-27  #16. Ps.22:18; Jn.19:24  #17. Ps.69:21; Mat.27:34  #18. Ps.22:17; Lk.23:48  #19. Ps.38:11; Lk.23:49 #20. Ps.109:25; Mat.27:39-40 #21. Ps.22:8; Mat.27:43-44 #22. Isa.53:12; Lk.23:34 #23.  Ps.22:1; Mat.27:46 #24. Zec.12:10; Jn.19:34,37 #25. Ps.31:5; Lk.23:46 #26. Ps.22:31; Jn.19:30 #27. Ex.12:46; Ps.34:20; Jn.19:32-33,36 #28. Isa.53:8-9; Mat.27:57-60
Saith, I thirst . . . the Scripture that referred to His drinking the vinegar is Psalm 69:21. The physical exhaustion which He had undergone, the heartache He had felt, the heat of the day, and the loss of Blood, were all causes of His thirst. This He could have very easily borne without any complaint whatsoever, but He wanted to give them the fullest proof of His being the Messiah, by clearly showing how every prophecy associated with the Messiah, which had been written long ago in the prophets, had its total fulfillment in Him.

John 19:29  Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. (KJV)

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar . . . some say this pot was in a place near by, for them that were crucified, either to refresh their spirits, or stop too great a flow of blood, that they might continue longer in their misery. Still others say this was probably the tart wine which was the common drink of the Roman soldiers. Our word vinegar comes from the French vin aigre, meaning sour or tart wine. Although it is possible that it was brought at this time for the use of the four Roman soldiers who were employed in the crucifixion of our Lord, yet it is just as probable that it might have been furnished for the use of the persons crucified. John does not tell us, neither do the other Gospel writers (Mat.27:34,48; Mk.15:36; Lk.23:36). It seems that crucifixion brought on a grievous thirst. This vinegar must not be confused with the vinegar and gall mentioned in Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:36. That was a stupefying potion, intended to lessen His pain, which He refused to drink, but of this He took a little, and then died (verse 30). http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/14703-vinegar

And put it upon hyssop . . . a great many suppositions have been created to solve the difficulty in this text, which is occasioned by supposing that the sponge was put on a stalk of hyssop, and that this is the reed mentioned by Matthew and Mark. (Mat.27:48; Mk.15:36). http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/7974-hyssop
And they filled a sponge with vinegar . . . a sponge is called a branch of the sea, because it grows there. A sponge can swallow up anything that is liquid, and which may be again squeezed and sucked out of it. The Jews call the sponge, that which swallows up liquids, and was used for such a purpose. And put it upon hyssop . . . not meaning the juice of hyssop, into which some have thought, but the hyssop’s  stalk. The hyssop with the Jews was not consider among herbs, but trees (1 Ki.4:33).
And put it to his mouth . . . no one is sure if Christ drank some of the vinegar or not, it seems by what follows as if He did.

John 19:30  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (KJV)

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar . . . that the Roman soldiers offered to Him. Did these soldiers offer it to Him as a way of reproach? Or to quench His thirst? He was thirsty, and He did drink.
He said, it is finished . . . meaning the total will of God: that He should be incarnate, that He would be exposed to shame and reproach, that He would suffer much, that He should die . . . the complete work His Father gave Him to do, which was to preach the Gospel, work miracles, and obtain eternal salvation for His people . . . ALL of which were now done, or as good as done. The whole righteousness of the law was fulfilled by Him (Mat.5:17), perfect obedience by Jesus as yielding to the Law, He endured the penalty of death for us, a perfect righteousness agreeable to the law, which was magnified and made honorable by His righteousness.  
And he bowed his head . . . His strength was completely gone!
And gave up the ghost . . . our Lord Jesus, the Man, died. Our Lord’s favorite expression for Himself was “the Son of Man.” (Jn.1:51; 3:13,14; 5:27; 6:27,53,62; 8:28; 12:23,34; 13:31). In the four Gospels, there are over 80 times that Jesus calls Himself the “Son of Man.” I have listed only the verses in John’s Gospel. The Man, Jesus, Jesus died a physical death. His spirit or soul departed from His Body, into the Hands of His Father. He freely laid down His precious life, which NO man could take away from Him. Jesus could NOT die as God, for God cannot die! He is everlasting, eternal. Eternal God: (Deut.33:27; Isa.60:15; Rom.1:20; 2 Cor.5:1; Eph.3:11; 1 Tim.1:17; 2 Tim.2:10; Heb.9:14; 1 Pet.5:10). My friend, Jesus IS God!!!  
http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm . . . https://www.hisservants.org/death_of_jesus_h_s.htm . . .
https://www.hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm

Sixteen Things Fulfilled In His Death

#1. Fulfillment of ALL Scriptures of the sufferings of the Messiah (Ps.22; Isa.53; Lk.24:44; Jn.19:28; 1 Pet.3:18).
# 2. Defeat of Satan (Jn.12:31-32; Col.2:14-15; Heb.2:14-15). 
#3. Breaking down of the middle wall of partition to make Jews and Gentiles one (Eph.2:14-18; 3:6; 1 Cor.12:13; Gal.3:28).   
#4. Our personal access to God (Rom.5:1-2; Eph.2:18-19).
#5. Finished is the power of death (1 Cor.15:55-56; Heb.2:14).
#6. Finished is sin's power Rom.6; 1 Cor.15:54-57).
#7. Display of His obedience and love to death (Phil.2:7-8; Heb.5:8-10; 1 Pet.2:21; 4:1).
#8. Perfection of Christ (2 Cor.5:21; Heb.7:26; 1 Pet.2:22; 1 Jn.3:5).
#9. Forgiveness of all sin (Mat.26:28; Eph.1:7; Col.1:14; Heb.9:15; 1 Pet.1:18-21; Rev.1:5; 5:9-10). 
#10. Peace between God and man (Rom.5:1-11; 2 Cor.5:14-21; Col.1:20-22). 
#11. Death penalty paid for all who believe (Rom.5:6-8; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 2 Cor.5:14-21;  Heb.2:9-15; 1 Pet.1:18-21). 
#12. Finished is the claim of Satan on us (Rom.8:18-24; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 2 Cor.5:14-15;  1Thes.5:10; Heb.2:9-15; 1 Pet.1:18-21). 
#13. Satisfaction of the full justice of God (Gen.2:17; Jn.3:16; Rom.3:21-26; 5:1-11).   
#14. Spiritual healing for all who believe (Isa.53:4-5; Mat.8:17; 13:15; Jn.10:10; 1 Pet.2:24; Jam.5:14-16).
#15. Gift of power and anointing of the Holy Spirit (Jn.7:37-39; 14:16-18,26; Lk.24:49; Acts 1:4-8; Gal.3:13-14)
#16. Blotting out of the Old Covenant, bringing in the New Covenant (Mat.26:28; Eph.2:14-18;  Col.2:14-17; Heb.7:11-28; 8:6; 10:1-18).

John 19:31  The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. (KJV)

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation . . . either the Passover (Jn.19:14), which was the grand festival in which they offered their peace offerings and slew their oxen, feasting together in great delight and cheerfulness, or the Sabbath, the evening of it, or day before it (Mk.15:42).  
That the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day . . . this grand feast was now drawing near, and according to the Jewish law (Deut.21:22-23), the body of one that was hanged on a tree was not to remain all night, but to be taken down that day and buried. What the practice of the Jews was at this time is not certain, but according to the Roman laws, the bodies hung until they were putrefied, or eaten by birds of prey. But, that their land might not be defiled, and especially their Sabbath, by His remaining on the cross, the Jews wanted to have Christ taken down.
For that sabbath day was an high day . . . not only a Sabbath, and a Sabbath in the Passover week, but it was the day in which all the people appeared and presented themselves before the Lord in the temple, and the sheaf of the first fruits was offered up (Lev.23:10); all which somberness meeting together made it a very celebrated day. What horrendous hypocrisy! The Jews pretending a great concern for fear that that day should be polluted, although they had NO conscience whatsoever of shedding innocent Blood.
Besought Pilate that their legs might be broken . . . this was done to hasten the death of the one on the cross. The result of this, while they were suspended on the cross, would be to increase their pain by breaking the legs, thus depriving the body of the support which it received from the feet, shifting the whole weight of the body onto the hands. This increased torment quickened the death. The usual period which persons crucified would live was several days.
And that they might be taken away . . . which it seems the Jews had no power to do, but must be done by the Roman soldiers, or by permission from the Roman governor, so the Jews make their request to Pilate.

John 19:32  Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. (KJV)

Then came the soldiers . . . Pilate granted the Jews what they desired.
And brake the legs of the first . . . the soldiers came up to the first man; whether it was the one Jesus’ right Hand and was the penitent believer in Him, as some have thought, is not known.
And of the other which was crucified with him . . . something to consider: if the former is true, and the first man was on Jesus’ right Hand, this must have been the man on the left, that reviled Him. In view of their positions, this is a striking symbol of the last day, when the sheep shall stand at the right, and the goats on the left Hand of Christ (Mat.25:33-34).

John 19:33  But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: (KJV)

But when they came to Jesus . . . it seems that they passed by before, and now returned to. Did they do this out of compassion for him? I doubt that. They most likely left Him to last that they might use greater cruelty and barbarity on Him.
And saw that he was dead already . . . by His Head bowed down, His color, etc.
They brake not his legs . . . the soldiers did not have any idea that they were fulfilling prophecy! Psalm 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. (KJV) . . . Jesus' legs could NOT be broken! This prophecy had to be fulfilled! I think they were guided by Almighty God to move on.

John 19:34  But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (KJV)

But one of the soldiers . . . some say this was Longinns, so called from the spear with which he pierced Christ. This cannot be confirmed.
With a spear pierced his side . . . some say it was His left side, where the heart lies. Whether it was the right or the left side of Christ that was pierced has been a matter of serious discussion among commentators and physicians, and on this subject they cannot agree. As far as I am concerned, it is NOT important, or the Holy Spirit would have revealed it to us. Luke Cranache, a famous painter, whose piece of the crucifixion is at Augsburg, has put no wound on either side: when he was asked the reason of this: I will do it, said he, when I am informed which side was pierced.
And forthwith came there out blood and water . . . it may be rightly supposed that if the spear went through the pericardium (a double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels), and pierced the heart . . . that the water proceeded from the sac, and the blood from the heart. Protestants have thought these the symbols of justification, which is through the Blood of the Lamb (Rom.5:9), and sanctification, which is through the washing of regeneration (Tit.3:5). The piercing seems to have taken place because His legs were not broken, and since the law stated that the criminals were to continue on the cross until they died, the side of our Lord was pierced to make certain that He was dead. Again, the soldiers unknowingly fulfilled prophecy. Zec.12:10  And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (KJV)

John 19:35  And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. (KJV)

And he that saw it, bare record . . . remember that this means John, who was at the cross. It means John the writer of this Gospel, who in great modesty, often conceals himself, not giving his name. He was an eyewitness of this entire crucifixion, not only of the piercing of Jesus’ side with a spear, but of the Blood and Water flowing out of His precious Body. He saw everything with his own eyes, and bore record of it to others, and too, by this writing.  
And his record is true . . . this fact is not mentioned by any of the other Gospel writers, for none of them except John was present at the time. They all had fled (Mat.26:56; Mk.14:50).
And he knoweth that he saith true . . . meaning either God or Christ, or both, who knew all things. Such was the character of John, and his revered regard for truth, that he could appeal with full assurance that all would put confidence in him. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if ALL Christians had such a character that their word would be confidently believed.
That ye might believe . . . the Truth of the fact, that in Christ, is both the expiation of the guilt of sin (atonement), and cleansing from the filth of sin . . . both for the sanctifying and justifying grace of God, which the water and the blood were a symbol of. Atonement refers to the substitutionary death of Christ in providing salvation for sinful man (Mat.20:28; 2 Cor.5:21; Eph.1:7; 1 Pet.2:24-25, 3:18). Christ’s atonement accomplishes: redemption, propitiation and reconciliation in man’s relation to God (Rom.3:24-26; 2 Cor.5:18-20; 1 Jn.2:2). God’s children are indeed blessed and privileged! Are you one of them?

John 19:36  For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. (KJV)

For these things were done . . . no breaking of His Bones and the piercing His Side, and none of this by chance, and without plan (Acts 2:23).
That the Scripture should be fulfilled, a bone of him shall not be broken . . . Psalm 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. (KJV)
John 19:37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. (KJV)
And again another Scripture saith, they shall look on him whom they pierced . . . Zec.12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (KJV)

Burial In The Tomb Of Joseph (John 19:38-42)

John 19:38  And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. (KJV)

And after this . . . meaning after Jesus had died, when it was clear that He was dead.  Being Joseph of Arimathaea, a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews . . . a disciple, not an apostle, who had secretly attended the ministry of Christ, loved Him, and believed in Him as the Messiah, but did NOT have the courage to accept Him openly and confess Him, and speak up for Him, for fear of being put out of the synagogue and Sanhedrim. Now it seems, he was inspired with eagerness and courage, "went in boldly" (Mk.15:43).
And besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus . . . from off the cross, that it would no longer be insulted by His enemies, and might not be thrown away with the other bodies into the place where the bodies of criminals were cast. Joseph asks Pilate for the Body, which reveals his great affection for Jesus, and his now bold and fearless stance by declaring openly for Him. This certainly would expose him to the malice and resentment of the Jews.
And Pilate gave him leave . . . Pilate would have first had to ask the centurion if He were dead, and when being satisfied of this, he eagerly granted it; not only in willingness to Joseph, who was a well known wealthy man, but because of the innocence of Jesus, of which Pilate was convinced, and therefore was very willing he should have an honorable burial.
He came therefore . . . to the cross, with his servants with him.
And took the body of Jesus . . . down from the cross, and carried it away. (Mat.27:57-60; Mk.15:43-46; Lk. 23:50-53).

John 19:39  And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. (KJV)

And there came also Nicodemus . . . another “closet Christian”!
Which at the first came to Jesus by night . . . Nicodemus first came to Jesus at night, to speak to Him about His being the Messiah (Jn.3:1-2). His being one of the Pharisees, a ruler of the Jews, and a Rabbi or master in Israel, he was ashamed or afraid to speak publicly with Him. I believe Nicodemus went away that night a disciple; and although he did not openly profess Christ as his Saviour and Lord, he loved Him, and believed in Him, and now being dead showed his respect to Him. I believe that anyone who is truly searching . . . shall be saved. There are many today who, like Joseph and Nicodemus, that are ashamed of Jesus and will not take a stand for Him. BEWARE my friend. Cast away your fear (2 Tim.1:7; 1 Jn.4:18). Do NOT be afraid of what others will say! YOU are responsible for your soul. Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. (KJV) . . . You do NOT want this!
And brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight . . . from what I can gather, this mixture of myrrh and aloes together, and which was a very large amount, and very costly, was not designed to embalm His Body, nor preserve it from putrefaction . . . for Jesus was not embalmed. This mixture of myrrh and aloes was for perfuming it, and in honor and respect to Him. (Pro.7:17; Ps.45:8; Song 4:14)

John 19:40  Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. (KJV)

Then took they the body of Jesus . . . they: Joseph and Nicodemus, themselves or their servants, carried Jesus’ Body to the place of  burial.
And wound it in linen clothes with the spices . . . wrapped it in linen; rolled it around the Body many times, as was the custom of the eastern nations to do, along with the spices that Joseph prepared.
As the manner of the Jews is to bury . . . Jesus was buried in the Jewish custom.
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/3842-burial

John 19:41  Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. (KJV)

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden . . . The Bible does not say exactly where Golgotha was located, but it does give three clues: #1. John 19:42 says that Jesus' body was carried only a short distance, “nigh at hand” before it was placed in the tomb. This indicates that the crucifixion site was probably near a cemetery. #2. Hebrews 13:12 says that the site was "without the gate", but it does not tell us which gate. #3. Matthew 27:39 indicates that the location was near a road which carried a lot of foot traffic. The second clue is consistent with a traditional Jewish religious requirement that all executions had to take place outside the city, a requirement that the Romans seem to have honored. The third clue is consistent with the fact that the Romans often crucified people on elevated spots (hills) near major roads, to serve as a warning of the probable fate of anyone who might challenged their authority. There was a garden . . . it was not a garden where Jesus was crucified. The near by garden was where he tomb of Joseph was located.
And in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid . . . Mat.27:60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. (KJV)

John 19:42  There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. (KJV)

There laid they Jesus therefore . . . because it was a new sepulcher, and no man had been ever laid there before.
Because of the Jews' preparation day . . . either for the feast, or the Sabbath, which was at hand. Some versions read "the night of the Sabbath." For this reason, they could not dig a grave purposely for him; for it was forbidden on feast days, so they put him into a tomb ready made . . . again fulfilling prophecy. Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. (KJV)  (Isa.53:9).
For the sepulchre was nigh at hand . . . many have guessed at how far the tomb was from the cross, but it is not told to us how far, only that it was “nigh at hand” . . . not very far off. That is all that we need to know!

The CROSS is the most beloved symbol in all Christianity. It adorns our churches, our jewelry, our books and our music. The Catholic church has Jesus still on the cross! Personally I think this is blasphemy! Jesus is no longer on that cross! He is in Heaven at the Father’s Right Hand! The empty cross symbolizes the work performed there by our Saviour who went to death willingly to pay the penalty for OUR sins. Jesus’ last words before He died were “It is finished” (Jn.19:30). The Law was fulfilled, all the Messianic prophecies about His Work on the cross were fulfilled! Our precious Saviour and Lord accomplished what He set out to do . . . our redemption was completed and for all who believe, eternal life awaits! The cross symbolizes the greatest story ever told . . . the story of the sacrificial death of Christ.
There are heated debates over the shape of the cross. The accurate shape of the cross on which Jesus was crucified CANNOT be proven by the Bible. Why argue? The Romans used crosses, poles, stakes, upside-down crosses, x-shaped crosses, walls, roofs, etc. Jesus could have been crucified on any of these objects and it would NOT have affected the perfection or sufficiency of His Sacrifice in any way! I think it is absurd to argue over things that we cannot prove.

Let us be wise and accept what our Lord Jesus did for us and thank Him.

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