Good Friday Reflections

John 18:1-14 (#1)

         The gospel of John, in contrast to the other gospels, emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and asserts that Jesus speaks, “knowing all that was to happen to him” (18:4).  This painting, which is from the Church of All Nations in Gethsemane, illustrates the moment when Jesus says, “I am he,” and they step back and fall down.  “I am he” is essentially the Divine Name, I AM.  Surely, we might bow to the ground, too, in the presence of Almighty God?

John 18:15-27 (#2)

         It is easy to get confused when both Annas and Caiaphas seem to be referred to as the high priest.  Annas previously served as high priest and is still honoured with that title.  However, Caiaphas is the high priest at the time when Jesus is arrested, and this part of his trial takes place in Caiaphas’ house.  The image from the side of the house is titled, “Les outrages chez Caiphe” – the outrages at Caiaphas’ house.

         Meanwhile, Peter is asked three different times if he is one of Jesus’ disciples – depicted by the sculpture from St. Peter in Gallicantu – a word that means “cockcrow.”  Sometimes it is hard to be bold when you are filled with fear.

John 18:20-40 (#3)

         Pilate’s headquarters, sometimes referred to as the praetorium, is the setting for this part of the gospel.  Pilate and Jesus discuss what kind of a king Jesus is.  After all, his “kingdom is not from this world” (18:36).  However, Jesus also came to testify to the truth – leading Pilate to ask, “What is truth?” (18:38).  What an amazing and relevant question!

         The news clip shows Harvard’s coat of arms and motto, which is Veritas – truth.  The university is in the news for failing to comply with the demands of the federal government, while students are being detained for protesting the war in Gaza.  Only one version of the truth (which we might call subjective truth) is deemed to be acceptable, and any dissenting voices are to be silenced, deported, or de-funded.

         By contrast, Jesus stands before Pilate as the one who is the way and the truth and the life.  He reveals the truth of God’s love for all creation, the reality of God’s justice and mercy, and the lengths to which God is willing to go in order to save a lost and sinful humanity.  His truth is not to be shoved down anybody’s throat or accepted under threat of punishment.  It is okay to have doubts and to ask questions and to investigate who Jesus is.  It is okay to have different points of view, and to be open and loving toward all people.

John 19:1-16a (#4)

         Kings, emperors and governors – all in positions of power, but under the one God “who is above all and through all and in all” (Eph. 4:6).  It is clear that Jesus is a King, but his power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).  His crown is made of thorns, his throne is a cross, and rather than forcing others to serve him, Jesus is among us as one who serves.

John 19:16b-30 (#5)

         Crucifixion – the mode of execution reserved for low class criminals – yet, the inscription reads “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (19:19).  It’s hard to tell if Pilate was being ironic.  Having made sure that his mother will be looked after, Jesus is given sour wine on a branch of hyssop.  The hyssop hearkens back to the Passover, when it was dipped in the blood of the lamb in order to put the blood on the lintel and the door posts.  We are invited to see Jesus as the true Passover Lamb, whose blood sets us free from the power of sin and death.

John 19:31-42 (#6)

         Jesus’ side is pierced and blood and water come out – a testament to Jesus’ humanity, as well as an allusion to baptism and the new covenant.  When Nicodemus shows up with a hundred pounds of spices, it is an amount that is only fitting for a king.  The garden, too, is symbolic, for it was in a garden so many years ago where the tree of life once stood.  Perhaps in this garden, too, new life will be found.

Good Friday                                      John 18:1- 19:42

April 18, 2025

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

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