Section IV. The Crucifixion and Resurrection (John 18:1-20:31)


Audio (2:33)
Matthias Grünewald‚ ‘Die Kreuzigung Christi‘ (1523-1524), Tauberbischofsheimer Altar, 193 x 151 cm. Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Matthias Grünewald, 'Die Kreuzigung Christi' (1523-1524), Tauberbischofsheimer Altar, 193 x 151 cm. Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe, Germany.

Now John's Gospel turns from the Farewell Discourses and Jesus' prayer for his disciples to Christ's Passion. The word "passion" comes by way of Middle English and Anglo-French, from Late Latin passion, passio, "suffering." So Christ's Passion means Christ's suffering.

Protestants sometimes pride themselves on the Empty Cross that emphasizes the resurrected Christ, rather than the Crucifix that emphasizes the suffering of Christ, now past. But I think there is value in both. There is value in contemplating the sufferings of Christ on our behalf. If you are near a Catholic church or retreat center, take some time to walk and pray the 14 Stations of the Cross and meditate on what Christ suffered for you.

Or meditate on my virtual "Stations of the Cross for Protestants and Catholics" (www.joyfulheart.com/stations-of-the-cross/).

In the next several lessons we'll explore Christ's sufferings and his resurrection.

  1. Jesus' Arrest and Trial (18:1-19:16)
  2. Jesus' Death and Burial (19:17-42)
  3. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (20:1-18)
  4. As the Father Sent Me, So I Send You (20:19-31)

Then we'll conclude John's Gospel with the Epilogue, Lesson 34. Feed My Sheep (21:1-25).

John's Gospel: A Discipleship Journey with Jesus, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Entire study is available in paperback, Kindle, and PDF formats.

The observant reader will notice various differences between John's account of Jesus' passion and resurrection and those in the Synoptic Gospels. Since these lessons tend to be more devotional than analytical in nature, I refer you to Appendix 10. Harmony between John and the Synoptic Gospels, and an introduction to the New Testament to study the complex Synoptic Problem. We'll only make passing reference to it in these lessons.

John's Gospel: A Discipleship Journey with Jesus

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Copyright © 2023, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

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