19. Uplifted Saviour
| 16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 Here they crucified him, and with him two others--one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (John19:16-19) |
This perspective is revealed in the phrase "lifted up" - a phrase that Jesus uses of Himself more than once. (See John 3:14; 8:28 & 12:32) The cross, in John's perspective, is not a tragedy, but a triumph. It is the crowning point of Jesus' life and purpose - this is why He came, this was what He came to do and this is where He triumphs.
At the heart of this chapter is the incongruous sign that Pilate has prepared and puts on the cross "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." This sign is written in Greek, Aramaic and Latin the languages of the that part of the world. And when the Jewish mafia complained about it Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." (v.22)
In John's theology, Jesus came down to earth in incarnation, humbling Himself, in His teaching and healing He was exalted and the lifting up began until He was lifted up on the cross for the world to see. (In John 12 He says "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself") He will continue His journey up in Resurrection and Ascension and the sending of the Spirit.
So the cross is significant - it is the highpoint of Jesus life and ministry. This moment that we consider tragedy is, in fact, a triumph. And Jesus cries out "It is finished." (In Greek the word is "Tetelestai" and indicates a debt paid in full or a jail sentence fully served.
But even as we sing "Hallelujah" let us also bow our heads, the victory came at a terrible terrible price - the sinless Lamb of God suffered - really suffered - and died - really died - for us.
