In John 19, we witness the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, a pivotal moment in Christian faith. This Daily Devotional highlights the actions of Pilate, an appointed leader who ultimately crumbled under the pressure of the crowd, choosing political expediency over justice. The question posed is whether we stand firm for Jesus in our own lives or crumble under societal pressures. To learn about following your life’s purpose, read the Daily Devotional on John 18.
Reflecting on John 19, we will reflect on Allen J. Huth’s various journal entries to reveal deep insights into Pilate’s actions and the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion. In 1990, it was noted that Pilate, like many politicians, lacked the courage to stand up for what was right. By 2005, the focus shifted to the illusion of control, acknowledging that true authority comes from above. In 2018, the reflection centered on the fulfillment of Scriptures and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly gave up His spirit for humanity.
As we delve deeper into John 19, we recognize our own guilt and the immense price Jesus paid for our sins. The Scriptures were fulfilled through His sacrifice, and the eyewitness account of John assures us of the truth. This chapter challenges us to reflect on our own faith and convictions. We will discover Jesus’ act of love is beyond comprehension and deserves our deepest thanks and reverence.
John 19 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today, in John 19, Jesus is crucified and buried. Pilate, an appointed leader, crumbled before a crowd. Do you stand or crumble for Jesus in your crowd? Please read or listen to John 19.
In 1990, at thirty-five years old, after reading John 19 (NASB), I wrote, “Jesus crucified. Pilate symbolizes a lot of gutless politicians. He scourged someone he found no wrong in. Not willing to stand up for what is right, but rather political expediency. You do it, ‘I find no guilt in Him’ (v. 4), yet he turned Jesus over to a mob. Pilate was afraid. He flexes his political muscle. He’s still wishy-washy. Verse 6 says he already gave Jesus over, now he’s still trying to release Jesus in verse 12. In verses 12-15, political allegiance as they accuse Jesus of usurping the authority and power of Caesar, Pilate falls for this trash. I love verse 22, the strength of the leader who just turned an innocent man over to a lynching mob, ‘What I have written I have written.’ Such decisiveness. Such power. Such conviction.”
John 19:11
In 2005, at fifty years old, I wrote after reading John 19 (NASB), “Pilate thought he was in control. So often do we. We want control, we exercise control, we think we have it, or we think we have the right to control. Even on the way to the cross, Jesus teaches, ‘You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above’ (v. 11). The only authority we have is if it is granted to us. We need to back off and give God the glory for any control we think we have.”
John 19:28
In 2018, at sixty-three years old, I wrote, “I have been to Jerusalem. I’ve seen long, sharp thorns on bushes most likely the type used in His crown of thorns. Pilate found no guilt in Jesus. On the cross, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews’ (v.19) was written. He was crucified for who He was, not for any crime or for what He did. Three times all that is happening is to fulfill the Scriptures, verses 24, 28, and 36-37. John was there at the foot of the cross. That’s why he could record everything. Jesus gave up His Spirit. It was not taken from Him. He was in control. He gave it up after ‘It is finished’ (v. 30). Jesus died and was buried.”
As we look at chapter 19, we notice a few very, very clear things. Pilate found no guilt in Jesus. He continually tried to release Him, but the crowd would not have it. What kind of leader is this? In my journal in 1990, I wrote what kind of a political leader Pilate was: a weak one.
After it is all over, after Jesus is crucified, He is hanging on the cross. Then Pilot gets bold and says, “What I have written I have written” (v. 22), when he wrote, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (v. 19). That is why Jesus was crucified, because He was, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (v. 19). Again, He did not die for anything He did; He died for who He was, that the Scriptures may be fulfilled. The life of Jesus was not taken from Him. He gave it up. He gave it up for you and me. When the price for our sin was fully paid, He said, ‘It is finished,” (v. 30). We close with verse 36, “For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled”.
John 19:25-27
John 19:25-27 describes an important moment during the crucifixion of Jesus. As He hung on the cross, Jesus saw His mother, Mary, standing nearby with her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Noticing the disciple whom He loved, traditionally understood to be John, Jesus addressed His mother, saying, “Woman, behold your son!” He then said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” Through these words, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John, symbolically creating a new family bond. This act of care and concern in the midst of His suffering highlights Jesus’ deep compassion and responsibility, ensuring that His mother would be looked after following His death.
John 19:34
John 19:34 talks about a crucial moment during Jesus’ crucifixion. It says, “One of the soldiers stuck a spear into his side, and immediately blood and water came out.” This scene is super important in Christianity, symbolizing Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and the fulfillment of old prophecies. The blood and water are seen as a sign of Jesus being both human and divine, and they are often connected to the practices of Communion and Baptism. This verse highlights the deep meaning of Jesus’ death and its impact on salvation and eternal life.
John Chapter 19
I will highlight a couple of quick applications from John 19. First, Jesus was not guilty, but we are. We are fully guilty of our sin, no different than the crowd shouting, “Crucify him, crucify him!” (v. 6). The Jews did not put Jesus on the cross. Pilate did not put Jesus on the cross. My sin and yours put Jesus on that cross.
Next, thank God He paid the full price for our sin. He hung on a cross in agony and pain, not necessarily just physically, but spiritually for us. When the price was fully paid, He said, “It is finished” (v. 30). Yes, Jesus died on that cross for you and me.
Lastly, we know it all happened because it was written before the foundation of the earth. Everything that we read in this chapter, was done to fulfill the Scriptures. And we know it is true because John was there. He stood at the foot of the cross, and he wrote about what he saw. He said, “He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe” (v. 35). I believe what John has recorded. I hope you do too. Let’s pray.
Father, we cannot imagine the agony You went through the day Jesus was crucified. For those of us who are parents, we could not imagine seeing one of our children die like this. But, to You, it was even more significant because it was the price You offered for all the sin of the world. This kind of love is unfathomable. You sent Your only begotten Son as a sacrifice, so we could bridge the gap and have eternity with You. Unbelievable. Amazing. We thank You for Your amazing love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
