Daily Devotions
John
John 19:16-42 "PAINFUL PICTURE OF STARK CONTRASTS"
Day 312 – John 19
PAINFUL PICTURE OF STARK CONTRASTS
John painted many contrasting pictures at Golgotha. One contrasting picture was that of Jesus, sinless and absolutely blameless being crucified with two notorious criminals! The contrast was so obvious; it was painful and not just literally so.
Another contrasting picture was painted. On the one hand there was Jesus, who had always shown the greatest sensitivity to people. There were many who came to Him with their problems. Always, He showed great compassion. John painted a picture of the Roman soldiers, who were so callous and oblivious to the suffering of Jesus. The soldiers were so used to crucifying prisoners that they took little notice of their prisoners being crucified! They had learned how to tune their minds out effectively that they felt little or nothing when they crucified prisoners! They were gambling for the few possessions that Jesus had!
“They divided My garments among them,
and for My clothing they cast lots.”
John 19:24
The crucifixion of Jesus was something that caused great sorrow and pain to the heart of John. Thus in the writing of his Gospel, he took time to paint poignant pictures with words.
THE STARK ABSENCE OF THE MEN-DISCIPLES!
The Roman soldiers stood guard over Golgotha. Their grim duty was to ensure that everything was carried out according to Roman law. There were the rough and tough soldiers, and there was a small group of women who drew as close as they could to the cross of Jesus.
This time round, there seemed to be a double contrast. There were the armed Roman soldiers who stood ready and alert for any trouble from the multitudes. There were the defenceless women who must have stood at the cross in the center weeping copiously at the sight of Jesus.
The second contrast was the obvious absence of the men-disciples! They had always been in the forefront. They were the ones whom the Lord had especially called to be His Disciples and Apostles! Yet, they were noticeably absent at the crucifixion of Jesus. None of the other Gospels noted the presence of any of the men-disciples, except for the mention of one who was called “the disciple whom He loved” (John 19:26b).
Let us take time to ponder over these words John wrote,
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His
mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary
wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
John 19:25
John mentioned four women. But there were probably more than just these four women at the scene of the crucifixion. The Synoptist Mark also mentioned a small group of women, but he gave a slightly different list.
“There were also women looking on from afar,
among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the
mother of James the Less and of Joses, and
Salome, who also followed Him and ministered
to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other
women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.”
Mark 15:40-41
The two Gospel writers agree on an important point! The men-disciples were noticeably absent! How it must have grieved and pained John to write these words! How he must have wished that he could write that many of his friends, his fellow-disciples were there at the crucifixion! But he could not! They were absent! What a humbling picture to paint!
THE LAST TENDER WORDS OF LOVE
John tried to capture everything he could at the Crucifixion of Jesus. Yes, His death was of the greatest theological significance, but there was much more to Jesus’ death than a theological truth. The human-personal aspect of His death must also be noted as well.
Racked with pain, caused by the recent whipping of the Romans, and the nails on His hands and feet, it would take every bit of Jesus’ strength just to bear the anguish that must have been most extraordinary! Jesus had found time to speak to a thief who was crucified beside Him. Now, His eyes searched and found Mary, His mother.
“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.”
John 19:26-27
How Jesus must have loved Mary, His earthly mother. He had done His part in looking after His mother, until He was ordained for His public ministry. From then onwards, Mary had to content herself to watch her beloved Son minister to others. She knew that Jesus loved her, but He had to put the work of God first! Mary must have taken quiet pride and joy in the way Jesus was so faithful and focused in the fulfilling of His life’s destiny. He must have missed the close and tender relationship they had when He was at home, looking after the carpentry business Joseph had left behind. Had Jesus ever forgotten her? These words would always be treasured by Mary for they proved that Jesus had never forgotten her! Even in his dying moments, He cared for her!