It Was Already Written
Memory verse: John 19:30. Read it aloud and learn Jesus’ declaration of completion.
Lesson objectives
- Connect the events at the cross with the Scriptures John cites.
- Explain Jesus’ finished work and the obedience He calls for.
- Identify the care and courage shown beside His cross and at His burial.
Thesis: Scripture was fulfilled as Jesus completed His Father’s work, provided for His mother, and was buried by Joseph and Nicodemus.
I. Men did what Scripture had already said
Read John 19:23–24, 31–37. The soldiers divided the garments and cast lots for the tunic. They left Jesus’ bones unbroken and pierced His side.
Compare: Psalm 22:18; Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20; Zechariah 12:10. In Zechariah, the LORD speaks of being pierced. John applies that Scripture to Jesus.
1. How do the soldiers’ two decisions about Jesus’ clothing fulfill Psalm 22:18?
2. What had the soldiers already observed before the spear wound, and why does John stress eyewitness testimony? (19:33–35)
Follow the wound: The risen Jesus shows His side in John 20:20, 27. The disciples see the same Jesus who was crucified.
II. Jesus provided for His mother
Read John 19:25–27. While suffering on the cross, Jesus entrusted His mother to the beloved disciple.
3. What did the disciple do, and when did he do it?
4. Whose care have you postponed, and what responsibility can you accept this week?
III. Jesus finished the Father’s work
Read John 19:28–30. Jesus knew His work had reached completion. His thirst was real. The sour wine connects with Psalm 69:21, and hyssop recalls its use at Passover in Exodus 12:22.
Word study: Tetelestai, translated “It is finished,” announces completion. Compare John 17:4 and 10:17–18. Jesus willingly laid down His life in obedience to His Father.
5. What does Jesus’ thirst show about the One who offered living water? (John 4:13–14; 19:28)
6. Why does Christ’s finished sacrifice still call for obedient faith? Read Acts 2:38.
IV. Joseph and Nicodemus came for His body
Read John 19:38–42. Joseph asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Nicodemus brought about seventy-five modern pounds of spices. Together they prepared His body and laid it in a nearby, unused tomb.
Earlier in John: Jesus told Nicodemus that the Son of Man must be lifted up (3:14–15). Nicodemus now helps bury Him. John explains the expression in 12:32–33.
7. What had kept Joseph’s discipleship secret, and how did asking Pilate for the body change that?
8. How do Joseph’s identity and his tomb connect with Isaiah 53:9? Compare Matthew 27:57–60.
Our response
Trust God’s word. Care for those entrusted to you. Acknowledge Christ when following Him becomes costly.
Salvation is by grace through obedient faith. Hear Christ’s word, believe in Him, repent, confess Him, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Continue faithfully in His service. Our obedience earns nothing and adds nothing to His sacrifice.
One act of obedience I will carry out: