The Centrepiece of Scripture…

On Sunday morning I had the amazing priviledge of being able to speak on the centrepiece of the whole of Scripture. The passage was John 19: 16-42 – the crucifixion, the death and the burial of Jesus.

It was our 8am communion service and below is the outline:

A terrible tragedy, or the plan of God? (vv16-27)

Jesus is made the centrepiece of a horrible torture and death, showing He was thought of as nothing more than a common criminal – what a thought, the Son of God was treated as a common criminal! We see God’s plan in two ways: 1. The sign above Jesus is in all three major languages – the sign fulfils divine purpose in proclaiming Jesus! 2. What the soldiers think of as just a nice garment is actually God fulfilling Psalm 22:18. He fulfils prophecy about Jesus! A terrible tragedy, or the plan of God?

A pathetic death, or an incredible victory? (vv28-37)

The greatest ever substitution takes place as Jesus dies for sinners. The same Man who offered the woman at the well living water now cries out that He is thirsty. This shows for the first time in eternity that Jesus is thirsty for the prescence of God. He is cut off from the Father for the sake of sinners, and He does this willingly. The cry of ‘It is Finished’ is a cry of victory – that Jesus has defeated Satan. It is truly finished for all who trust in Jesus. The roman soldier proves beyond doubt that Jesus was dead – JC Ryle comments: ‘Little indeed did that reckless Roman soldier dream that he was a mighty helper of our Holy religion, when he thrust his spear into our Lord’s side.’ A pathetic death, or an incredible victory?

The end of the King, or the sign of His reign? (vv38-42)

Jesus is buried in a new tomb. This again shows that He could be the only person missing from the tomb when it was discovered empty three days later. Jesus is also buried in a garden. Sin first entered the world through one man in a garden. Sin then is defeated by one man in a garden. Jesus reverses the curse of Eden and brings life for all who look to Him. This should lead us to praise! John Calvin once said ‘Every rememberance of God’s mercy should at once stir us up to glorify Him.’ We should do just that in light of the cross.

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