In John's account of the crucifixion, six points are emphasized to show the meaning of it.

(i) Jesus carried his cross alone (19: 17), for he alone could bring salvation to the world.

(ii) The notice of condemnation (Mark 15 :26) referred to 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews' and was written in the two main languages of the Roman empire, as well as Hebrew, 19:19-22.

(iii) Scripture was fulfilled in the disposal of Jesus' clothes (19:23-24); Psalm 22:18 is quoted.

(iv) Jesus' mother and the disciple whom Jesus loved were present at the crucifixion (19 :25-27).

(v) Jesus accepted sour wine or vinegar (19 :28-29), thereby fulfilling Scripture (Psalms 22:15,69:21).

(vi) Jesus gave up his life only when he knew that his work was fully completed (19:30).

The divine control in all-that was done is shown in (i), (iii), (v) and (vi). The fulfillment of Scripture in what happened is emphasized, particularly the thought expressed in Psalm 22, of which the first verse is also quoted in Mark 15:34. In the writing of the notice of condemnation, the un-consciously ironical witness of Pilate to Jesus as the true King of the Jews continued.

 


That the notice was written in the languages of the Roman empire signified that Jesus was not only the King of the Jews but the Saviour of the world (4 :42).

Mark mentions the women who had the courage to be at the place of crucifixion (Mark 15:40). In the commissioning of Mary to care for the unnamed disciple (19:26) Roman Catholic tradition sees her to be declared spiritual mother of the faithful who are represented by the unnamed disciple.

John alone records Jesus' final command to the unnamed disciple whom he loved, to care for his mother (19 :27). None of the gospels refers to any other of the disciples whose names we know as being present.