John 19 - Jesus is crucified

Today, we’re reading John 19 from the New Living Translation.This chapter is sacred ground. Jesus was falsely condemned to death. Twice in these verses, Pilate pronounced him “not guilty” (vs 4, 6). Pilate was afraid of what was happening (vs 8), and he tried to release Jesus (vs 12). Yet the people demanded that he be crucified because he called himself the Son of God (vs 7). And so - Jesus was whipped, made to wear a crown of thorns, and nailed to a cross. Isaiah 53 was written around 700 years before the time of Jesus, yet it describes in great detail many of the things he experienced during the crucifixion. Isaiah 53 also pre-dates crucifixion by several hundred years. Here is what Isaiah 53:10-11 says:“But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous.” Another interesting connection - following the crucifixion, we see two men come to take the body of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders (see John 9:22 & 12:42-43). The other was Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night (John 3). Both of these guys became followers of Jesus - and eventually came to the cross to show their love. What application do you see? Today is your “On Ramp!”Shawn.Ps -This podcast is sponsored by the New Living Translation from Tyndale House Publishers. Click the link to find out more.