This document discusses Jesus' crucifixion as described in the Gospel of John and addresses some perceived discrepancies between the Gospel accounts. It summarizes key details from John 19:16-37 about Jesus' placement on the cross, who was present at his death, and what he accepted and rejected to drink. It then addresses criticisms by explaining that the Gospels present different moments and some individuals like Jesus' mother were present at different times. The document encourages committing one's life to Jesus and trusting the Bible as an accurate historical record.

1. Faith in Christ Jesus:
2 Timothy 1:12 defines FAITH as knowing the trustworthy character and
motives of Jesus, and being confident in His limitless promise-keeping
ability, and consequently committing yourself entirely to His keeping. We
are studying the Gospel of John, answering these questions: 1) What is
revealed of Jesus’ character, motives, and abilities? 2) What is indicated that
you could confidently commit to Jesus’?
THE CROSS
John 19:16 - 37
Read the passage slowly. After each verse, pause, reflect, record what
impresses itself upon you.
Why was Jesus' cross in the middle? Perhaps the position agreed with the
title Pilate placed over Jesus' head. It was one last insult to the Jews'
leaders.
Over what did the soldiers gamble? Jesus' clothing was in five parts: the
head-gear, cloak, girdle, sandals, and seamless woven inner garment. They
gambled over which soldier would get which article of the first four, then over
the last article (which could not be divided).
Who was there, at the end? Of the 12, only John was eye-witness to
Jesus' death. Many others were there, among them were Jesus' mother and
her sister, two more named Mary, soldiers, some priests, numerous by-
standers. Jesus' death was verified, and certified, by the soldier who pierced
His heart with a spear (John 19:34-35).
What beverage did Jesus reject (Matthew 27:34) and what did He accept
(John 19:30)? Jesus refused the dulling of His senses, but accepted the
stimulation He needed to declare VICTORY! Death did not overcome Jesus.
With a final shout, Jesus pierced death, entering its domain and taking
death's captives away! (Ephesians 4:8, Luke 11:15-22)
1 Corinthians 15:
51Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an
event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God).
We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be
changed (transformed)
52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in
Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed).
53For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is
capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death).
54And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then
shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished [h]forever) in and unto victory.(J)
55O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?(K)
56Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [i][upon the soul] through [j][the abuse of] the Law.
57But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always
being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your
labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].
WHAT DISCREPENCINES? WHAT ERRORS?
Some critics point out differences between the four Gospels, especially at the
Cross. Just a little research reveals that the four accounts are correct, though
presenting different moments from the long hours of Jesus' suffering.
The mother of Jesus was at the Cross, though John took her to his home
immediately after John 19::27. So, John was away from the Cross for short
periods.
The women were near (John 19:25), but afar off (Luke 23:49). Both are
true, but at different times.
The list of women names differ (Mark 15:40, John 19:25). It turns out that
Salome is John's mother and sister to Christ's mother! Another Mary was
wife of Cleophas, who was brother to Joseph the husband of Jesus' mother.
So, at least five of the disciples were cousins of Our Lord! (-Alfred
Edersheim- “The Life And Times of Jesus The Messiah”) Both women would
be considered Mary's sisters!
Your Bible is trustworthy.
Your Bible gives an accurate historical record of Jesus Christ, Messiah, our
Lord.
As you go through life you will encounter a great many people who reject
Christ because they reject the Bible. Though their arguments may “sound”
sound, they are all based upon ignorance and spawned by rebellion against
the truth.
The truth is that all have sinned and are doomed by their sins. But God
demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son to die for us while we were
yet sinners. The truth is that there is only one way to escape our deserved
destruction.
Romans 10:9-10
have you committed yourself to Jesus?