John 19
October Memory Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NIV)
John 19
This is an old Jumpstart from Tim Parsons. He let the truth of the cross drive the purpose of his life. Be encouraged today as you reflect on the cross of Christ, what that means, and on Tim’s life and how he lived for Jesus. He loved teaching about the cross… it mattered deeply to him. Enjoy his words...
Today’s passage is hard to read. The details of the cross are overwhelming to me. The thought of Jesus suffering like that to pay for my sin is almost too much to bear. Even though it’s painful, let’s look at the suffering John records about Jesus’ crucifixion.
Pilate had Jesus flogged
Flogging was a legal preliminary to every Roman execution. The usual instrument was a short whip with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. For scourging, the man was stripped of his clothing, and his hands were tied to an upright post. The back, buttocks, and legs were flogged either by two soldiers or by one who alternated positions. The severity of the scourging depended on the disposition of the lictors and was intended to weaken the victim to a state just short of collapse or death.
The Crown of Thorns
The crown consisted of thorn branch woven into a crown. These Palestine thorns were long and very hard. The thorns pierced Jesus head.
The Purple Robe
The purpose of the robe and crown was to mock Jesus. He said He was the King of the Jews – let’s make fun of Him. The humiliation – especially in His physically weakened state – was very difficult.
Crucify Him!
We can’t even imagine the heartbreak to hear those words shouted in anger from the very people Jesus came to save. The ones that said “Hosanna” only a short time earlier, now voted for His death.
Carrying the Cross
Deprived of sleep, food and water – then beaten almost to death, Jesus was required to carry His own cross to the place of execution. He couldn’t do it – so another man was made to carry it.
Crucifixion
One of the most painful and horrific deaths ever devised by man. The purpose was to make an example of the condemned man – to show everyone not to mess with Rome. The spikes driven in the wrists between the radius and the ulna. The nails through the feet. The riveting pain when the cross was raised and dropped into the hole. The incredible thirst. The need to lift yourself up on the nails, rubbing your beaten back across the rough wood of the cross, in order to get a breath. The humiliation. This is pain that’s unbelievable for us to even imagine.
Jesus suffered like that willingly for us. To pay for our sins. To save the lost. Take a moment right now and thank Him. Live your life today on purpose for a Savior that would love you like that. Share the news with those who don’t know Him.
John 19
This is an old Jumpstart from Tim Parsons. He let the truth of the cross drive the purpose of his life. Be encouraged today as you reflect on the cross of Christ, what that means, and on Tim’s life and how he lived for Jesus. He loved teaching about the cross… it mattered deeply to him. Enjoy his words...
Today’s passage is hard to read. The details of the cross are overwhelming to me. The thought of Jesus suffering like that to pay for my sin is almost too much to bear. Even though it’s painful, let’s look at the suffering John records about Jesus’ crucifixion.
Pilate had Jesus flogged
Flogging was a legal preliminary to every Roman execution. The usual instrument was a short whip with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. For scourging, the man was stripped of his clothing, and his hands were tied to an upright post. The back, buttocks, and legs were flogged either by two soldiers or by one who alternated positions. The severity of the scourging depended on the disposition of the lictors and was intended to weaken the victim to a state just short of collapse or death.
The Crown of Thorns
The crown consisted of thorn branch woven into a crown. These Palestine thorns were long and very hard. The thorns pierced Jesus head.
The Purple Robe
The purpose of the robe and crown was to mock Jesus. He said He was the King of the Jews – let’s make fun of Him. The humiliation – especially in His physically weakened state – was very difficult.
Crucify Him!
We can’t even imagine the heartbreak to hear those words shouted in anger from the very people Jesus came to save. The ones that said “Hosanna” only a short time earlier, now voted for His death.
Carrying the Cross
Deprived of sleep, food and water – then beaten almost to death, Jesus was required to carry His own cross to the place of execution. He couldn’t do it – so another man was made to carry it.
Crucifixion
One of the most painful and horrific deaths ever devised by man. The purpose was to make an example of the condemned man – to show everyone not to mess with Rome. The spikes driven in the wrists between the radius and the ulna. The nails through the feet. The riveting pain when the cross was raised and dropped into the hole. The incredible thirst. The need to lift yourself up on the nails, rubbing your beaten back across the rough wood of the cross, in order to get a breath. The humiliation. This is pain that’s unbelievable for us to even imagine.
Jesus suffered like that willingly for us. To pay for our sins. To save the lost. Take a moment right now and thank Him. Live your life today on purpose for a Savior that would love you like that. Share the news with those who don’t know Him.
5 Comments
Wow! I wasn't prepared for the strong emotions that today's Jumpstart commentary evoked. Reading about the crucifixion is always painful for believers when we consider the great price Jesus paid for our salvation. As I read the words Tim Parsons wrote years ago, tears began to flow. Center Point was so blessed to have his strong leadership for nearly 16 years. It brings great joy when I think about Tim enjoying heaven for eternity with the saints who have gone on to be with the Lord.
Looking forward to Missions Sunday in a few days so that we can continue the work of sharing the good news of Jesus with India and the world.
I agree with Mike. Pastor Tim served the Lord faithfully for many years. Along with Chuck Vellios and Tom Sloan, CPC lost such wonderful men of God. They are all with the Father. My pastor at my last church said it best about heaven. "It is howdy and never goodbye!" It is important that the Gospel reaches as many people as possible. Powerful blog today!
I was not at all prepared for today's devotion! The passage is a difficult one to read, and then when I saw it was an old one from Tim... all the emotions! I miss Tim more than words can say, but I'm so thankful to have known him, along with Chuck and Tom, for 9 years. They loved Jesus so passionately, served so faithfully, and now their faith is sight. I'm crying as I write these words, but may we be motivated to live on mission for the Gospel. As Tim liked to say, we are full time for God!
I will never, ever forget Pastor Tim's description, like the one he wrote above, of the crucifixion process that he used to precede communion. Makes one very humble and so grateful.
Completely agree with everyone else. As I read it and thought about all the times I heard my dear pastor describe the crucifixion I couldn't help but think about him being in the presence of the very one he has described all these years, our precious Savior!