Reading John's Gospel ... Week 9 ... John 18 & 19

March 3, 2014

The Gospel of John

March 3 – 9

www.spu.edu/lectio

John 18:1 – 19:42

Betrayal, Denial, and Death: The End?

By Dr. Laura Sweat

Daily Reading suggestion:

Monday………..18:1-14

Tuesday……….18:15-27
Wednesday….18:28-40

Thursday………19:1-16

Friday…………..19:17-30

Saturday………19:31-42

In these two chapters we find the familiar story of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, followed by Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion and burial.  Much of what we read here parallels the three synoptic gospels, but Dr. Laura Sweat points out some interesting differences in how Jesus is portrayed.  John’s account emphasizes

• Jesus’ foreknowledge and control
• Jesus’ kingship
• Jesus’ death as a new Passover Lamb
• Jesus’ formation of a new community

 

Where We’ve Been…

Last week, in chapters 15-17, we listened in on Jesus’ farewell address to his disciples in the upper room.  We heard him claim to be the true vine and encourage his disciples to abide (remain) in him.  He told his followers that they were no longer servants but friends, and leveled with them that the world might hate them because of this close association.  Jesus prepared his disciples for their upcoming grief and loss, but he also encouraged them with the bold claim that he had conquered the world.  And then Jesus prayed for his disciples that they be unified and faithful in their mission of love.  After listening in on this intimate conversation, we considered the inspiring word from Jesus’ “graduation speech” that we would take with us into our futures.

 

Where We’re Headed…

At the end of this week’s passage, Jesus is dead and buried (notice that there are two more chapters…his death is not the end of the story!).  Here’s how the story unfolds on the way to the cross and tomb:

• Jesus is betrayed and arrested (John 18:1-14)
• Peter denies Jesus three times, even as the high priest questions Jesus (John 18:15-27)
• Jesus is taken to Pilate’s headquarters where the main trial takes place, resulting in a death sentence (John 18:28-19:16)
• Jesus is crucified at “The Place of the Skull,” where he gives up his spirit (John 19:17-30)
• Jesus’ side is pierced rather than his legs broken so that scripture might be fulfilled, and his body is buried in the garden tomb by Joseph and Nicodemus (!) (John 19:31-42)

For each of these episodes, consider the following questions:

• What does this encounter tell you about who Jesus is and what is important to him?

• What does Jesus teach here about God the Father or the Holy Spirit?

• What is Jesus communicating by his words and his actions?  What are the other characters (Peter, Pilate, Joseph, the crowd, etc.) communicating by theirs?  What relevance do these words and actions have for you today?

• How does it make you feel to read of Jesus’ suffering, death, and burial?  If you feel sorrow, return to 16:16-24 for encouragement.

 

Words of Blessing

May the same divine love that kept Jesus moving toward the cross fill your heart to overflowing.  Beloved child of God, Jesus walked that lonesome road for you.

Amen.