Pastor Tom Ascol addresses John’s Gospel, Chapter 19:16b-42 in a message entitled “Crucified, Dead, and Buried.” Reminding his congregation that John’s purpose in writing his gospel was “that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31), pastor stresses the overarching importance of Jesus to Christianity. While other religious leader’s teachings could have come from many other individuals and remained the same, it was Jesus’ life and actions that were unique in this world. The whole focus and purpose of His life was to lead to His crucifixion, the payment for sin.
In this message Pastor Ascol focuses on the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. The amount of prophecies the crucifixion, death and burial is amazing. Truly the events were “according to the Scriptures.” From Jesus’ words to his manner of execution, from the distribution of his clothing to specific means of painful torture, from the criminals with whom He was crucified to the rich man’s tomb in which He was buried, the death of Christ fulfilled prophecies given by both the prophets and present in the Psalms. This is important for two reasons; first, it offers proof that Jesus was Who He said He was, and second, it shows that Jesus’ death was not a random event in human history but part of a divine plan. It was the plan of salvation.
Therefore, the crucifixion, death, and burial all occurred under God’s sovereignty. Pilate, even if unwittingly, had correctly noted in the inscription on Jesus’ Cross that Jesus was “The King of the Jews.” In addition, even during the suffering on the Cross, Jesus maintained complete control right down to the detail of providing a home for His mother in verses 25-27. Furthermore, as He died He proclaimed “It is finished,” signifying redemption’s plan had been accomplished. Finally, Jesus was in control of His own death. The Scripture says Jesus, “bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” These are action verbs and do not reflect the passiveness which would have been the case were Jesus to have had His life taken by others. He was sovereign and in control; indeed John 10:18 notes Jesus saying “No one takes my life from me. I lay it down of my own accord.”
What is more, Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial were accomplished that sinners might believe. John writes his account as a witness. He attests to its veracity. He tells why it was written, so that you also may believe. Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial are historical events. All four gospels confirm these truths. Since these historical events were real, were according to the Scriptures, and were under God’s plan and sovereignty, mankind ought to avail themselves of God’s salvation plan by trusting Him Who gave His life for them.
