Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 19:28-37
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 19:28-37 to reveal how the fulfillment of Scripture in Christ's death confirms His divine mission and offers assurance of salvation.
In this expository sermon, J.C. Ryle carefully unpacks John 19:28-37, highlighting how Jesus' final moments on the cross fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Ryle emphasizes the significance of Christ's completed work, the piercing of His side, and the eyewitness testimony that confirms the truth of His death. This sermon offers profound theological insights and encourages believers to trust fully in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
Text
After this Jesus, realizing that by this time everything was completed, said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty!" A jar full of sour wine was there, so they put a sponge soaked in sour wine on a branch of hyssop and lifted it to his mouth. So when he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, "It is completed!" Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Then, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not stay on the crosses on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was an especially important one), the Jewish religious authorities asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men who had been crucified with Jesus, first the one and then the other. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out immediately. And the person who saw it has testified (and his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth), so that you also may believe. For these things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled, "Not a bone of his will be broken." And again another scripture says, "They will look on the one whom they have pierced."
This part of John\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Completion of Christ's Work
- Jesus declares 'It is completed' fulfilling prophecy
- His thirst and the sour wine fulfill Scripture
- The significance of Jesus bowing His head and giving up His spirit
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II. The Breaking of the Legs and the Piercing of Jesus
- The soldiers break the legs of the crucified men but not Jesus
- The piercing of Jesus' side and the flow of blood and water
- Fulfillment of the prophecy that no bone would be broken
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III. The Testimony and Its Purpose
- The eyewitness testimony confirms the truth
- The testimony aims to inspire belief in Jesus
- The prophetic significance of looking on the one pierced
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IV. Theological Implications
- Christ's death as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy
- The assurance of salvation through His completed work
- The importance of Scripture in understanding Jesus' sacrifice
Key Quotes
“Jesus, realizing that by this time everything was completed, said (in order to fulfill the scripture), 'I am thirsty!'” — J.C. Ryle
“For these things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled, 'Not a bone of his will be broken.'” — J.C. Ryle
“The person who saw it has testified (and his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth), so that you also may believe.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in the completeness of Christ's sacrifice for your salvation.
- Reflect on the fulfillment of Scripture as a confirmation of God's faithfulness.
- Allow the eyewitness testimony of Jesus' death to strengthen your faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus say 'I am thirsty' on the cross?
Jesus said 'I am thirsty' to fulfill the Scripture and to show His true humanity in suffering.
What is the significance of no bones being broken in Jesus' body?
It fulfills the prophecy from Psalm 34:20, symbolizing Jesus as the perfect Passover Lamb without defect.
Why did the soldier pierce Jesus' side?
The piercing confirmed Jesus' death and fulfilled the prophecy that they would look on the one pierced.
What does the flow of blood and water represent?
It symbolizes the outpouring of Jesus' life and cleansing, representing salvation and purification.
How does this passage encourage believers?
It assures believers that Jesus' death was purposeful, prophetic, and sufficient for their salvation.