Our Bible Text, in three Paragraphs …

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

In our last Lesson we last saw 4 soldiers throwing dice, gambling. We now see 4 women keeping faith! (Five Believers around the Cross counting “the Disciple Jesus loved,” John we believe.)

How much “detail” do we owe these women (and John) concerning the Cross?

Matthew 27:55-56 … And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.

Luke 8:1-3 … And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

It is almost like Jesus turned His Cross into a pulpit! In John’s Gospel He only speaks three times from Calvary, but a total of seven times when all the Gospels are combined. To be more specific …

In John Jesus only speaks three times from the Cross!

His First … Mother/Son, a new Family?

His Second … “I thirst!” (One Greek verb!)

His Last … “It is finished!” (One Greek verb!)

In Matthew and Mark, only once does He speak … Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34! (My God, my God, Why hast Thou forsaken Me?)

The other three Statements are from Luke’s Gospel …

Father, forgive them …

Today with Me in Paradise …

Father, into Thy Hands I commend (para + tithemi) My spirit …

The apparent sequence of these “Sayings” as well …

Before the Darkness … 3 sayings!

During the Darkness … 1 Saying!

After the Darkness … 3 Sayings!

One reverent writer called Jesus “the Central Sufferer” on the Hill of Golgotha tthat Day!

What Verse or Verses hinted that Jesus would be “thirsty” on the Cross?

Psalm 22:15 … My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

Psalm 69:21 … They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

The best way to study this Text is to watch the whole Class if possible …

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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