John 19:23-30
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:
“They divided My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.”
Therefore the soldiers did these things. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:23-30 (NKJV)
We are all familiar with this verse and the many explanations. Our verses today mark the end of Jesus’ earthly body and begin the celebration of His return to a spiritual existence. We may look at Maundy Thursday (or Wednesday per John) as a dark depressing end to Jesus’ life on earth. The people surrounding Jesus were scattered, frightened, likely in depression over their loss. Yet Jesus repeatedly told them He would be raised from the dead and join His Father in heaven. If they had only listened to Jesus’ words and God’s promises.
Diane and I spent the last night with my dad in the hospital the night he passed away. He had had a severe stroke, late-stage dementia where he no longer recognized me, and was suffering heavily with each labored breath. He would react when we helped wet his lips, but otherwise unresponsive. Doctors said he was near the end even as he fought it. About 11:30 that night, I held his hand and read to him a personalized Psalm 23 that reaffirmed God’s promise of peace and love in heaven for eternity. Less than a minute later my dad’s breathing quieted down, he had a sense of calm and peace that I had never seen before. He quietly passed away at about 3 AM in the morning. He fought desperately the last 3 years to hang onto life to the bitter end until the Bible and Jesus reminded him of the future awaiting him.
Jesus spent 3 years teaching His disciples, redefining the Word from one based on Laws, actions, and rules to one of simply living in Love of God and Others. He had to suffer a most painful death to end all sacrifices so our sins could be wiped away with a clean slate. His sacrifice allowed the promise of Psalm 23 to be a reality by faith alone. A promise fulfilled for each of us.
Jesus’ last Words in John were “It is finished”. This was not “I give Up”, but a declaration that His mission was completed. Jesus had fulfilled the prophecies in the Old Testament. He had taught the Disciples all they needed to know and later gave them (and ultimately each of us) the Holy Spirit to help them remember the teachings. He gave up His spirit, but I suspect He had an even greater knowledge of what awaited Him – green pastures, quiet waters, God’s loving comfort, a table filled with love and all His needs, a place in God’s house forever. Easter reminds us of our human frailties, but in faith it fulfills God’s promise of eternal life.
Questions for Reflection:
- Jesus’ tunic was not torn into parts, to fulfill Psalm 22 prophecy. Some parallels include 1 shepherd, 1 flock, 1 vine, 1 untorn net of fish, 1 life for the sake of all. Do you see any parallels in your own life?
- Even on the cross Jesus made sure His mother would be taken care of. Does this expression of love surprise you?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for the sacrifice and eternal gift of your son. I may not truly understand it, and I definitely do not deserve it, but somehow your love for me exceeds all of my weaknesses. Help me during this dark night to remember that the “Light of the World” has paid the ultimate price to bring light to my world. In Christ name, Amen.
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