John 19. Our text today includes Jesus’ trial before Pilate, his crucifixion and death, and his burial. Each of the four gospels recounts these events, and each narrator chooses different elements of that awful day to shape their story. Four people can witness the same event and yet retell it with a slightly different emphasis. John writes, “He who saw it has borne witness – his testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth – that you also may believe. For these things took place that the scriptures might be fulfilled.” (John 19:35-36)

Though the events are familiar to many of us, here is what I noticed today in re-reading John’s account:

Jesus is called King of the Jews repeatedly, five times in the first twenty verses. Often this title was used to mock him, while soldiers dressed him in a royal purple robe and placed a crown of thorns on his head. Pilate also calls him the King of the Jews repeatedly. John seems to be repeating this title to draw our attention to the true identity of Jesus as the King of the Jews, even if he is not acknowledged as such by his own people.

Pilate made a wooden sign that hung over Jesus’ head on the cross that said King of the Jews in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. Did you notice that this really upset the priests? “The chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write The King of the Jews” but rather “This man said I am King of the Jews”. Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written”.” (John 19:21-22). The chief priests wanted to add “allegedly” to the title, but Pilate declined.

Pilate offers Jesus his true identity – and then is careful to say “I find no guilt in him” twice. Our text tells us that Pilate was afraid, for what if Jesus was truly the Son of God as he claimed? (We know from Matthew 27:19 that Pilate’s wife had a vision about Jesus and told her husband Jesus was innocent, so he had reason to be troubled.)

As John narrates what he witnessed that day, he repeatedly notes that events happened in a specific manner to fulfill the Scriptures… If you read the cross references and fine print in your Bible, you will see how events of the day were predicted long ago.

After the death of Jesus, his body is claimed and buried by Joseph of Arimathea in a cave tomb. Did you notice the other detail John offers us? “Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about 75 pounds in weight.” (John 19:39) I do not recall the other gospel authors noting this detail! But to John, the presence of Nicodemus was important. Nicodemus’ spiritual journey was important for others to follow – he came seeking the light of the world, believed Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, built a relationship with Jesus, and was present here at Jesus’ death. Some Jews understood the true identity of Jesus and believed.

What stood out to you in this trial, crucifixion, and death narrative?