John 18:38-19:16
Read by: Clayton Cullaton
People who’ve studied the Bible over time have pointed out that John’s gospel is outlined to match the 7 days of creation in Genesis 1. From the first verse saying “in the beginning” the outline continues through to the end of the Gospel. More on that later! But for now we find ourselves on the 6th day of the week, Good Friday, matching the 6th day in Genesis when God breathed life into Adam.
This passage brings the new Adam into his final hours. “Here is the man!” Pilate tells the Jews. John is intentionally trying to point out that the entire story of Scripture has been leading up to this moment.
There are enough layers of meaning in John’s gospel to study it a hundred times and still find new things, but for now, take a bird’s eye view. Quiet your mind, and put yourself in the scene.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What stood out to you in the passage?
2. The Jewish leaders had tried to stone Jesus a few times before, and finally they’re getting what they want. Jesus is mocked, ridiculed, and beaten. The compassion of Yahweh is acted out through this Son of the Father in complete solidaritywith those who are mistreated. In what area of your life does this bring you comfort today?
3. These days, the word authority makes us cringe. We’ve been told that true freedom is getting to do what we want when we want, to have autonomy. But Jesus, this true image of God, this new kind of human, expresses his freedom and his authority in his willingness to lay down his life. How is the Spirit asking you to respond to this kind of King?
----------CONNECT----------
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