September 29, 2025 - John 19

How horrific was the death of the Son of God!  Pilate flogged him (19:1).  The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and forced it down upon his head (19:2).  The chief priests and offices cried out for him to be crucified (19:6).  He had to suffer the indignity of carrying his own cross to the hill (19:17), though Simon of Cyrene was enlisted to help.  The other Gospel writers add some details:  he was mocked by one of the thieves being crucified with him, and in his moment of anguish he felt the abandonment even of his Father (This for our sakes that he might suffer the full wrath of God against sinners.).  Mark tells us that, before he was killed, Pilate had him beaten.  When it was all over, John reports, “He said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (19:30).  He did this for us!  What love!  Amazing love!

And can it be that I should gain

An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love!  how can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!   --Charles Wesley (1738)