Summary of John 19:17-18
“Carrying his own cross, he [Jesus] went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.”
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 2: John 19:17-18
3a) I see the cross as representing all of humanity’s sins, so Jesus physically and figuratively carried our sins on his back.
b) Jesus took on all of our sins; it does not matter who you are.
4a) Truthfully, it’s hard to fathom for the average person in the 21st century. We are not surrounded by this kind of violence. We don’t see people die around us in hideous ways, such as in the Colosseum in Rome or being hung or strung up. So, it’s hard for us to imagine the kind of torture Jesus endured for our sins. Therefore, it’s hard for me to grasp the gravity of it all.
b) Our sins are indeed severe and deep. Jesus was tortured and killed for our sins. When you think about giving up your life for someone else, there’s not many who qualify. Jesus did it for all of us! Amazing!
5) Awe, gratitude, disbelief, praise.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 2: John 19:17-18
The simplicity of John’s description of this horrific act is startling. It really makes the gravity of the situation come to life.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 25, Day 2: John 19:17-18
The Romans used crucifixion for the worst of the worst criminals. It was designed to extend the suffering to the utmost. While the Persians invented crucifixion, the Romans used it most often. Roman citizens were not crucified.
Bible scholars have many metaphors for Jesus being in the middle:
- Jesus was between humanity and God
- Jesus is at the center of the universe
- Jesus was between criminals
- Jesus stood between God and the devil
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