Notes on John 19. 25 - 42
Context of the Passover.
vv 25 – 27: an unexpected passage for Mothering Sunday.
Difficulties of life of mothers
Mary did not just need provision.
John is to take her as mother –
Relationship of mother and child ½ way through Lent.
[USA/Australia/NZ it’s
Mother’s Day – May/June.
Women round the cross: Mary wife of Clopas? Who? Who was Mary’s sister?
Significance of hyssop? (Should probably read javelin: hyssop unsuitable for purpose.)
vv. 28 – 30 Tom Wright links with wedding at
Jesus receives sour wine but he provided the best wine.
v.30 “It is accomplished” translation? Finished? It is all done. The vinegar? the job in hand? – or both? – Look back to prologue – v.13
v.34 water – release of the spirit
Wright on the signs in John: Crucifixion is 7th sign i.e. it is finished.
One word in original used after paying a bill. The debt is paid.
v.37 Two texts combined.
God protects the good man Psalm 34.20
Exodus 12. 46 the Passover Lamb
Legs broken (to hasten death) – but not the Passover lamb
It is accomplished – salvation, redemption
Also v. 37 link to
Zechariah and oracle of deliverance and restoration of
vv. 38 – 42 Men of authority
on their home ground. These men felt
they could approach Pilate. Men with
Jesus were not local and had no influence in
vv 35 – 37 Eyewitness plus scripture – reinforcement of Passover lamb belief.
v.41 Garden?
New tomb stressed. Could not be confused later for any other tomb for it was new.
Room for more than one body allowing decomposition after which (year or so) bones would be unwrapped and placed in ossuary.
John’s Gospel set in Jewish context. God rested on seventh day (Sabbath) so must Jesus before new creation on the first day of the week.
Comment on humans: bodies had to be cleared away before Sabbath.
All is OK as long as they are cleared
away. Link to protesters outside
Jesus on the cross was in control directing events.
v. 30 deliberately gave up his spirit
v. 28 “I thirst” refers to Psalm 22. This holds same references to other gospels of dicing for clothes.
v. 14 the leaven had to be removed form house by midday. Jesus removed from Pilate’s presence by midday.
Holy Week services: people don’t like the scary bits – they prefer comfort.
v. 37 The one they pierced – the first born son.
v. 28 Disciple whom Jesus loved – why bond with one?
Jesus the man had favourites!