J.C. Ryle expounds on the profound significance of Christ's crucifixion, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy, the humanity of Jesus, and the tender care He showed even in His final moments.
In this expository sermon, J.C. Ryle carefully examines John 19:17-27, focusing on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the significance of the inscription on the cross, and the tender care Jesus showed His mother even in His final moments. Ryle's clear and heartfelt exposition invites listeners to reflect deeply on the sacrifice and compassion of Christ.
Text
So they took Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out to the place called "The Place of the Skull" (called in Aramaic Golgotha). There they crucified him along with two other men, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had a notice written and fastened to the cross, which read "Jesus the Nazarene, the king of the Jews." Thus many of the Jewish residents of Jerusalem read this notice, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the notice was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am king of the Jews.’" Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
Now when the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and made four shares, one for each soldier, and the tunic remained. (Now the tunic was seamless, woven from top to bottom as a single piece.) So the soldiers said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but throw dice to see who will get it." This took place to fulfill the scripture that says, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they threw dice." So the soldiers did these things.
Now standing beside Jesus’ cross were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, look, here is your son!" He then said to his disciple, "Look, here is your mother!" From that very time the disciple took her into his own home.
He that can read a passage like this without a deep sense of man\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Journey to Golgotha
- Jesus carries His own cross
- The place called The Place of the Skull
- The significance of Jesus' position between two criminals
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II. The Inscription on the Cross
- Pilate’s notice: 'Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews'
- The languages used: Aramaic, Latin, Greek
- The opposition of the chief priests and Pilate’s firm response
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III. The Soldiers and the Garments
- Division of Jesus' clothes among soldiers
- The seamless tunic and the casting of lots
- Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy
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IV. Jesus’ Care for His Mother
- Jesus speaks to His mother and the beloved disciple
- Entrusting Mary to the disciple's care
- The demonstration of Jesus’ compassion amid suffering
Key Quotes
“So they took Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out to the place called 'The Place of the Skull' (called in Aramaic Golgotha).” — J.C. Ryle
“Pilate answered, 'What I have written, I have written.'” — J.C. Ryle
“From that very time the disciple took her into his own home.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Reflect on Jesus’ willing sacrifice and submit your life to His lordship.
- Trust in God’s sovereign plan even when facing opposition or suffering.
- Demonstrate compassion and care for others, following Jesus’ example.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus carry His own cross?
Jesus carried His own cross as a fulfillment of prophecy and to demonstrate His willing submission to God's plan of salvation.
What is the significance of the inscription on the cross?
The inscription declared Jesus as King of the Jews, affirming His messianic identity despite opposition from religious leaders.
Why did the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments?
The soldiers cast lots to divide Jesus' seamless tunic, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 22:18 and showing God's sovereign plan.
What does Jesus’ care for His mother teach us?
It shows Jesus’ compassion and concern for family relationships even in His suffering, setting an example for believers to care for one another.
How does this passage deepen our understanding of Jesus’ humanity?
It reveals Jesus’ physical suffering, emotional tenderness, and obedience, highlighting His full participation in human experience.
