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John 19 v 25 - 42

John is very sparing in his description of the last hours of Jesus. I don't want to be overly analytical about this passage, as it is such a tragic event, the death of our Lord.

However, a few helpful pointers:

1. Apart from John the Beloved, it was the women disciples who remained loyal. Jesus' mother Mary stayed true, her sister Salome, mother of James and John (Mark 15 v 40), another Mary and Mary Magdalene who would be first to see the risen Lord a couple of days later.

2. Again, John emphasises the complete humanity of Jesus. This is no superhuman on the cross, no god dressed up in man's clothes, Jesus suffered in the same way as we would suffer if we were to die in this way. Except, there was something extra for Jesus. He took on evil, He had our sins upon Him, so that we would discover life and healing.

3. Even in His death, Jesus sought to fulfil Scripture. ''I thirst'', in fulfillment of Psalm 69 v 21; He fulfilled His role of Paschal Lamb by being given wine soaked in hyssop. To the Jewish reader, hyssop always meant Passover, Exodus 12 v 22. He fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy when a soldier pierces His side.

4. The great shout of Jesus, translated as ''It is finished'', in Greek is a single word 'Tetelestai'. This word was written on business documents or receipts in New Testament times to  indicate that a bill had been paid in full.

5. The Jewish Law was merciful to the dying criminal. Deuteronomy 21 v 22, 23 stated that nobody should be allowed to remain dying on a tree overnight. Jesus' legs being broken was a merciful act.

6. The death of Jesus brought out disciples who had remained hidden. Two members of the Jewish Sanhedrin were amongst them, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (remember him?).

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