Christ's Humiliation and Resurrection Insights

Aug 22, 2024

Notes on John 19:28-42 and the State of Christ's Humiliation

Key Passages from John 19:28-42

  • Jesus, knowing all was finished, said "I thirst" (v. 28).
  • A jar of sour wine was offered to Him (v. 29).
  • After receiving the sour wine, Jesus proclaimed, "It is finished" and died (v. 30).
  • Jewish leaders asked Pilate to break the legs of those crucified to prevent bodies from remaining on the cross over the Sabbath (v. 31).
  • Soldiers broke the legs of the others but did not break Jesus' legs (v. 32-33).
  • A soldier pierced Jesus' side, confirming He was dead (v. 34).
  • Fulfillment of prophecy: "Not one of his bones will be broken" (v. 36) and "they will look on him whom they have pierced" (v. 37).
  • Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, asked Pilate for Jesus' body (v. 38).
  • Nicodemus assisted Joseph, bringing spices for burial (v. 39).
  • Jesus was laid in a new tomb due to the Jewish day of Passover (v. 40-42).

Overview of the State of Christ's Humiliation

  • Transitioning to the State of Christ's Exaltation
    • This lecture concludes the series on Christ's humiliation before moving to exaltation next week.

Recap of Previous Studies

  1. Philippians 2:6-8: Christ humbled Himself, taking human form and being obedient to death.
  2. Incarnation and Birth: Christ's deity established (John 1:1-2); born in humble conditions.
  3. Life and Temptation: Subjected to law; experienced trials, temptations, and human conditions.
  4. Death: Internal and external conflicts before crucifixion.

Christ's Humiliation After Death

  • Burial:
    • Christ's burial is both a fulfillment of Scripture and evidence of His resurrection.
    • Scriptural References:
      • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Matthew 27:60.
    • Significance: Proves Jesus truly died and thus was truly resurrected.

Details of Christ's Burial

  • Request for breaking the legs (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).
  • Significance of Timing:
    • Death on a Friday requires burial before sundown due to Passover.
  • Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took great risk to give Jesus a dignified burial.
  • Prophecy Fulfillment:
    • Isaiah 53:9 - Jesus buried with the rich.

Continuing in the State of the Dead

  • Scriptural References:
    • Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:24-27.
  • Understanding: Jesus truly experienced death, fulfilling the full measure of human suffering.
  • Significance for believers: Encouragement in death due to Christ's own experience.

Christ Under the Power of Death Until the Third Day

  • Prophetic References:
    • John 2:19; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 12:40.
  • Understanding of Resurrection:
    • Fulfillment of Jesus' promise and His role as the first fruits of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Descent into Hell

  • Interpretations of the "Descent":
    • No scriptural basis for a literal descent.
    • Figurative language describing Christ's extreme humiliation and suffering.
    • Implies Christ's experience of God’s wrath and ultimate suffering on behalf of humanity.

Conclusion

  • The burial and subsequent actions of Christ provide profound truth about His death, resurrection, and ultimate victory over death.
  • Application for Believers: Encouragement in the midst of suffering, and assurance of eternal hope through Christ.
  • Final reminder: Death is no longer to be feared for those in Christ, as He has conquered it.