Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 19bq)*

John 19:16-42

Key Verse: “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30).

1.       [16-18] As Pilate handed him over to the chief priests, who took charge of Jesus (16b)? How and where did he go after this (17)? Once there, how did they execute him (18)?

2.       [19-27] What notice did Pilate fasten to the cross (19)? Who read this notice? Who contested the legitimacy of the sign and why? How did Pilate respond to this complaint (22)? What did the soldiers do with Jesus’ clothes (23-24)? What was the significance of this? 

3.       [25-30] Who was present at the crucifixion (25)? What did Jesus say to his mother and to his beloved disciple (26-27)? Discuss what the impact of Jesus’ crucifixion might have been on their hearts. What did Jesus know and say (28)? How did the soldiers respond to this request (29)? After receiving the drink, what did Jesus do (30)?  Discuss the significance of what he said and did just before his death.

4.       [31-34] What did the Jews request of Pilate (31b)? Why (31a)? Why was this not necessary for Jesus’ legs (33)?  How did they confirm his death (34)? Who testified to these facts (35a)? Why (35b)? What do these facts confirm (36-37; Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20)?

5.       [38-42] Who were Joseph of Arimathea (38b) and Nicodemus (39a)? How did they take, prepare, and bury Jesus’ body (38a, c; 39c, 40)? Where did they bury him (41)? Why (42)?

6.       In view of today’s passage, discuss what John meant when he said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away sins of the world” (John 1:29), and what its significance is for you.