Notes on John 19. 25 - 42

 

Context of the Passover.

vv 25 – 27: an unexpected passage for Mothering Sunday.

Difficulties of life of mothers

Mary did not just need provision.

John is to take her as mother – Mother Church.

Relationship of mother and child    ½ way through Lent.

[USA/Australia/NZ it’s Mother’s Day – May/June.   England different and it’s been incorporated into church year.]

 

Women round the cross:   Mary wife of Clopas?   Who?   Who was Mary’s sister?

Significance of hyssop?   (Should probably read javelin: hyssop unsuitable for purpose.)

 

vv. 28 – 30 Tom Wright links with wedding at Cana

Jesus receives sour wine but he provided the best wine.

 

v.30 “It is accomplished” translation?   Finished?   It is all done.   The vinegar? the job in hand? – or both? – Look back to prologue – v.13

v.34 water – release of the spirit

Wright on the signs in John:   Crucifixion is 7th sign i.e.  it is finished.

One word in original used after paying a bill.   The debt is paid.

v.37   Two texts combined.

God protects the good man Psalm 34.20

Exodus 12. 46 the Passover Lamb

Legs broken (to hasten death) – but not the Passover lamb

It is accomplished – salvation, redemption

Also v. 37 link to Zechariah and oracle of deliverance and restoration of Jerusalem.

vv. 38 – 42   Men of authority on their home ground.   These men felt they could approach Pilate.   Men with Jesus were not local and had no influence in Jerusalem.

vv 35 – 37 Eyewitness plus scripture – reinforcement of Passover lamb belief.

 

v.41   Garden?

New tomb stressed.   Could not be confused later for any other tomb for it was new.

Room for more than one body allowing decomposition after which (year or so) bones would be unwrapped and placed in ossuary.

 

John’s Gospel set in Jewish context.   God rested on seventh day (Sabbath) so must Jesus before new creation on the first day of the week.

 

Comment on humans: bodies had to be cleared away before Sabbath.

All is OK as long as they are cleared away.   Link to protesters outside St. Paul’s – an embarrassment to that church authority.   As also £15 entrance fee?!!

 

Jesus on the cross was in control directing events.

v. 30 deliberately gave up his spirit

v. 28 “I thirst” refers to Psalm 22.   This holds same references to other gospels of dicing for clothes. 

v. 14 the leaven had to be removed form house by  midday.   Jesus removed from Pilate’s presence by midday.

Holy Week services: people don’t like the scary bits – they prefer comfort.

v. 37 The one they pierced – the first born son.

v. 28 Disciple whom Jesus loved – why bond with one?

Jesus the man had favourites!