Triumphant suffering
Commentary
On this day for remembering the death of Jesus, each of the lessons portrays nobility in suffering.
In the lesson from Isaiah, a servant of God bears undeserved suffering without complaint, that God's will of salvation for the world may be fulfilled. This passage helped Jesus to explain his suffering and death. In John's gospel there are references to Isaiah 53 (12:38 = v. 1; 10:11 = v. 6; 1:29 = v. 7).
Although the servant songs in Isaiah probably refer to the suffering of Israel (Isaiah 49:3), the ancient nation never adequately fulfilled God's purpose. Jesus picked up that purpose and God continued the work of making salvation available to the whole. The nobility of the purpose and Jesus' unflinching dedication to it explains his demeanor in John's account of the day of crucifixion.
Consistent with his allusions to the noble composure of Jesus, John reports more about the royal Messiah in connection with the crucifixion than do the other gospels.
In the trial before Pilate, Jesus was charged with claiming to be king. When Pilate investigated the charge (18:33-38), Jesus tried to explain that his was not a worldly kingdom and no earthly warfare was involved. We can guess the thoughts behind Pilate's snide reply, "So you are a king?" Jesus persisted. His kingly rule concerned propagating the truth. Perhaps Pilate was turning philosophical, but likely, he was still throwing out insults, when he said, "What is truth?"
The mockery then took the form of ridiculous substitutes for royal attire. The wreath of bramble vines, not a crown according to John, aped the laurel wreath worn on official occasions by the emperor (19:1-3).
When the messianic king was referred to as Son of God, Pilate had new concerns (19:7-11). Jesus assured him God was allowing these events because they fulfilled the divine purpose.
In Pilate's debates with the accusers (19:14-15), a final argument erupted over the sign on the cross, which declared Jesus to be their king. Only John reported the three languages used on the sign, possibly considering them an unintended testimony to Jesus' universal rule (19:19-22). Through the scuffle over his royal nobility, Jesus had retained the nobility of his integrity and purpose.
In the lesson from Hebrews, Jesus is perceived as a priest, but one who has suffered with obedient dedication, as in the other texts, and clearly for our benefit.
OUTLINE I
Universal redemption
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
A. 52:13-15. A drastic reversal for God's servant probably relates to Israel's release from exile, which dominates the message in Isaiah 40-55. God makes the announcement to the surprise and shock of other nations.
B. 53:1-3. As the nations respond, they testify to their belief in God's power as the cause of Israel's deliverance (cf. 51:5). But they had come to that faith with difficulty. Israel had been like a plant so underdeveloped that no one gave it any attention, wasted any time to cultivate it or expected any useful fruit from it. Or, like a person suffering from a dreaded disease, insult was added to injury.
C. 53:4-6. The reason for Israel's suffering is not just its own sin (40:2), but the sin of the whole world. The peoples have been like straying sheep. They confess their guilt and confess their faith in the power of redemption through Israel's vicarious suffering.
D. 53:7-9. Silent endurance until death shows the full measure of the undeserved suffering of the servant. A quiet ewe provides the metaphor, probably of a sin-offering. Then the imagery changes to picturing an innocent victim who suffers a criminal's death and burial.
E. 53:10-12. No longer is punishment the purpose to be served. Rather, the merciful will of God restores life to the servant, makes the peoples righteous and lets them share in the blessings of the servant's victory.
OUTLINE II
Breakthrough to God
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
A. 4:14-16. Jesus is to be thought of as a high priest who meditates between the worshiper and God. Not an ordinary high priest, Jesus is the unique "great" high priest. The superiority of Jesus is asserted in two ways. First, he has free movement through transcendent realms. Second, he is sinless. Although these superior characteristics might make Jesus seem remote, he was like all of us in enduring temptation during his earthly life. Since we may expect sympathy from Jesus, therefore, we have adequate reason to remain committed to our confession of faith: Jesus is the Son of God. And we may be presumptuous in coming to worship before the exalted God. Although resembling a powerful enthroned potentate, God will be found ready to help us with generous kindness.
B. 5:7-9. As an elaboration upon Jesus' life on earth, events such as his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane are recalled. There Jesus had prayed to be relieved of his suffering and death, but not at the expense of violating God's will (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42; cf. John 12:27). For Jesus, as a human person, his obedience was proven through suffering and overcoming temptation. Fortunately, he had remained stalwart in spite of great agony. He contemplated earthly life without the least offense or any unfaithfulness to God. He broke through all the temporary allurements and endured all the temporary pain to open the way to an eternal relationship with God for us who remain faithful to him.
OUTLINE III
Majestic demise
John 18:1--19:42
A. 18:1-11. Arrest. In John's account, Jesus is the one in command at his arrest. No attempt to escape, no cringing, no deception, he identifies himself so boldly as to shock the armed guard. Almost urging the soldiers to do their job, he advises them not to harm his disciples. After Peter has attempted to interfere, Jesus explains his obedience to the vocation he has from God. Victorious faith in his God-given purpose provides the theme throughout the following narrative.
B. 18:12-27. Interrogation. Jesus becomes challenging as he faces the retired high priest Annas. The unwavering fidelity to his mission contrasts with Peter's denials, which both precede and follow this preliminary examination.
C. 18:28--19:16. Trial. Before the governor, Pilate, Jesus remained reserved, but was more responsive than he had been before the religious leaders, whom he had expected to understand his purpose. He testified to the importance of revealed truth, even though he met with only a scoffing question. He alluded to his divine commission again, when he said the governor would have no power over him, except that God had willed it so.
D. 19:17-42. Crucifixion. John does not mention Jesus needing any help to carry the cross. He shows him still in control. From the cross, Jesus compassionately arranges for the care of his mother. With no defensiveness, he shows his human need by asking for a drink. His last word registers his conviction that he has fulfilled his mission.
In the lesson from Isaiah, a servant of God bears undeserved suffering without complaint, that God's will of salvation for the world may be fulfilled. This passage helped Jesus to explain his suffering and death. In John's gospel there are references to Isaiah 53 (12:38 = v. 1; 10:11 = v. 6; 1:29 = v. 7).
Although the servant songs in Isaiah probably refer to the suffering of Israel (Isaiah 49:3), the ancient nation never adequately fulfilled God's purpose. Jesus picked up that purpose and God continued the work of making salvation available to the whole. The nobility of the purpose and Jesus' unflinching dedication to it explains his demeanor in John's account of the day of crucifixion.
Consistent with his allusions to the noble composure of Jesus, John reports more about the royal Messiah in connection with the crucifixion than do the other gospels.
In the trial before Pilate, Jesus was charged with claiming to be king. When Pilate investigated the charge (18:33-38), Jesus tried to explain that his was not a worldly kingdom and no earthly warfare was involved. We can guess the thoughts behind Pilate's snide reply, "So you are a king?" Jesus persisted. His kingly rule concerned propagating the truth. Perhaps Pilate was turning philosophical, but likely, he was still throwing out insults, when he said, "What is truth?"
The mockery then took the form of ridiculous substitutes for royal attire. The wreath of bramble vines, not a crown according to John, aped the laurel wreath worn on official occasions by the emperor (19:1-3).
When the messianic king was referred to as Son of God, Pilate had new concerns (19:7-11). Jesus assured him God was allowing these events because they fulfilled the divine purpose.
In Pilate's debates with the accusers (19:14-15), a final argument erupted over the sign on the cross, which declared Jesus to be their king. Only John reported the three languages used on the sign, possibly considering them an unintended testimony to Jesus' universal rule (19:19-22). Through the scuffle over his royal nobility, Jesus had retained the nobility of his integrity and purpose.
In the lesson from Hebrews, Jesus is perceived as a priest, but one who has suffered with obedient dedication, as in the other texts, and clearly for our benefit.
OUTLINE I
Universal redemption
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
A. 52:13-15. A drastic reversal for God's servant probably relates to Israel's release from exile, which dominates the message in Isaiah 40-55. God makes the announcement to the surprise and shock of other nations.
B. 53:1-3. As the nations respond, they testify to their belief in God's power as the cause of Israel's deliverance (cf. 51:5). But they had come to that faith with difficulty. Israel had been like a plant so underdeveloped that no one gave it any attention, wasted any time to cultivate it or expected any useful fruit from it. Or, like a person suffering from a dreaded disease, insult was added to injury.
C. 53:4-6. The reason for Israel's suffering is not just its own sin (40:2), but the sin of the whole world. The peoples have been like straying sheep. They confess their guilt and confess their faith in the power of redemption through Israel's vicarious suffering.
D. 53:7-9. Silent endurance until death shows the full measure of the undeserved suffering of the servant. A quiet ewe provides the metaphor, probably of a sin-offering. Then the imagery changes to picturing an innocent victim who suffers a criminal's death and burial.
E. 53:10-12. No longer is punishment the purpose to be served. Rather, the merciful will of God restores life to the servant, makes the peoples righteous and lets them share in the blessings of the servant's victory.
OUTLINE II
Breakthrough to God
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
A. 4:14-16. Jesus is to be thought of as a high priest who meditates between the worshiper and God. Not an ordinary high priest, Jesus is the unique "great" high priest. The superiority of Jesus is asserted in two ways. First, he has free movement through transcendent realms. Second, he is sinless. Although these superior characteristics might make Jesus seem remote, he was like all of us in enduring temptation during his earthly life. Since we may expect sympathy from Jesus, therefore, we have adequate reason to remain committed to our confession of faith: Jesus is the Son of God. And we may be presumptuous in coming to worship before the exalted God. Although resembling a powerful enthroned potentate, God will be found ready to help us with generous kindness.
B. 5:7-9. As an elaboration upon Jesus' life on earth, events such as his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane are recalled. There Jesus had prayed to be relieved of his suffering and death, but not at the expense of violating God's will (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42; cf. John 12:27). For Jesus, as a human person, his obedience was proven through suffering and overcoming temptation. Fortunately, he had remained stalwart in spite of great agony. He contemplated earthly life without the least offense or any unfaithfulness to God. He broke through all the temporary allurements and endured all the temporary pain to open the way to an eternal relationship with God for us who remain faithful to him.
OUTLINE III
Majestic demise
John 18:1--19:42
A. 18:1-11. Arrest. In John's account, Jesus is the one in command at his arrest. No attempt to escape, no cringing, no deception, he identifies himself so boldly as to shock the armed guard. Almost urging the soldiers to do their job, he advises them not to harm his disciples. After Peter has attempted to interfere, Jesus explains his obedience to the vocation he has from God. Victorious faith in his God-given purpose provides the theme throughout the following narrative.
B. 18:12-27. Interrogation. Jesus becomes challenging as he faces the retired high priest Annas. The unwavering fidelity to his mission contrasts with Peter's denials, which both precede and follow this preliminary examination.
C. 18:28--19:16. Trial. Before the governor, Pilate, Jesus remained reserved, but was more responsive than he had been before the religious leaders, whom he had expected to understand his purpose. He testified to the importance of revealed truth, even though he met with only a scoffing question. He alluded to his divine commission again, when he said the governor would have no power over him, except that God had willed it so.
D. 19:17-42. Crucifixion. John does not mention Jesus needing any help to carry the cross. He shows him still in control. From the cross, Jesus compassionately arranges for the care of his mother. With no defensiveness, he shows his human need by asking for a drink. His last word registers his conviction that he has fulfilled his mission.
