John 19:1–3 (WEL) Then at that time Pilate took Jesus and had him severely whipped. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. Then they put a purple robe on him. 3 And kept saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They also kept giving him blows with their hands.
Chapter summary:
Joseph Benson:
In this chapter we have:
- The remainder of Christ’s trial before Pilate, John 19:1–15.
- His condemnation and crucifixion between two thieves, John 19:16–18.
- His title in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, fixed by Pilate on the cross, John 19:19–22.
- The parting of his garments, John 19:23–24.
- His recommendation of his aged mother to the care of John, John 19:25–27.
- Their offering him vinegar to drink, John 19:28–29.
- His dying triumph over death, John 19:30.
- The piercing of his side with a spear, John 19:31–37.
- The burial of his body by Joseph and Nicodemus, John 19:38–42.
V1 Then at that time Pilate took Jesus and had him severely whipped.
Why? What did Jesus do wrong and deserve punishment? Pilate had already given the verdict: “I find no basis for a charge against him.” (John 18:38).
Jesus was whipped, scourged, which is:
(New Living Translation (NLT) Study Bible Notes) “When a man was flogged, he was beaten with whips that had leather thongs at the end, some with sharp bone, lead, or rock fragments stuck to the ends of the thongs (see also Deuteronomy 25:1–3; 1 Kings 12:11–14; Acts 16:22; Acts 22:25; 2 Corinthians 11:24–25).
The Bible has rules regarding scourging:
Must not administer more than 40 lashes—Deuteronomy 25:3
A Roman citizen could be scourged in any case (Acts 16:22–37)
Jesus’s scourging was prophesied in Isaiah 53:5
This whipping was to appease the Jews who wanted violence against Jesus. Whipping Him did nothing to appease these evil leaders. They wanted more than blood; they wanted murder. Compare Ezekiel 7:19–24.
Principle: Sometimes leaders punish innocent people. God will give us grace during that time.
V2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. Then they put a purple robe on him.
This is greatly humiliating to any person. We probably have a pretty sure guess that as they sit in Hades they think about these things. Hopefully, they repented and placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation before they died. See Isaiah 50:6.
The actions are evil, but the intent is worse. Compare Matthew 15:18–20.
We do know that it is most likely that the leaders of these soldiers believed (Matthew 27:54).
Comments:
(Biblical Illustrator):
“He gave to all the subjects of His future kingdom an example of
- Willing service. Even with the crown on His head, His last strength was spent in the service of truth and justice.
- Entire submission to the will of God. “He was oppressed,” &c. Such an example of service and submission claims for Him the crown which the thorns symbolized.
V3 And kept saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They also kept giving him blows with their hands.
These evil men mock Jesus and continue to physically abuse Him.
Very respectful and true words, but they use it for mockery, but of their love to do evil.
Principle: When suffering as a believer, remember Jesus, His actions in persecution, His attitude (trusting in God), and the final outcome of all or at least most of these evil people.
See Mark 13:9. Jesus’s actions deliver a witness for the glory of God.
Dr. Andy Woods (Sugar Land Bible Church):
“I learn from Jesus that enduring humiliation does not mean returning insult for insult or threatening revenge. While suffering unjustly, He entrusted Himself to the Father, who judges righteously. I can follow His example by depending on Christ and the Holy Spirit rather than relying on my own strength.
“That kind of patient response can also bear witness to God’s ways. When I endure unfair treatment faithfully, God may use my conduct to testify to those opposing me—and even draw them to Christ. Suffering for Christ is not a way to repay Him; it is following the pattern He set.”
We learn:
- How to glorify God when persecuted for being a Christian.
- Some of the evils people do when they hate God.
Questions:
- Have you had to endure any suffering because you are a Christian?
- How did you handle it?