The seven scenes of the Crucifixion in John’s Gospel John 19:16-37

Abstract

This Essay intends to focus on one of the main events of the Fourth Gospel – perhaps the major one, even though it is not one of the Johannine signs. Jn19:16-37 recounts Jesus’ Passion and the conclusion of his ministry. It purports to show the significance of Jesus’ passion as contemplated in John, the gospel written many years after the narrated events of Jesus’ death and resurrection from a theologian’s point of view. Each verse carries its own importance and meaning. This essay is divided into three chapters. Chapter One focuses on Jesus after Pilate’s judgment and on his way to Golgotha, the inscription on the cross and Jesus’ garments. Chapter Two forms the core of this paper and deals with the dialogue between Jesus and his Mother. Chapter Three takes up Jesus’ thirst, the famous last words Jesus said on the cross “It is finished”, and the piercing of Jesus’ side.