John 19

Chapter 9 covers the sentencing, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus.

Notice that the Jews had no law that could allow for them to kill Jesus. This is why they took Him to the Romans.

Remember that Jesus was flogged before being crucified. Roman flogging was very brutal. The Archeological Study Bible says, "The Romans used a whip made of several strips of leather, into which were embedded pieces of bone and lead... Roman floggings were so brutal that sometimes the victim died before crucifixion." (pg1614) This reminds shows the love that Jesus had to take such abuse for us and the strength and courage that it took for him to sustain such pain for so long.

In verse 15 the chief priests swear allegiance to Caesar in order to have Jesus killed for claiming to be King. This reminds me of when the Hebrews gave up the state of theocracy (where God was the leader of their community) in order to have a Monarchy (where a king ruled their community) What is interesting here also is that the Jews actually hated the Roman government because they made their life harder and the Priests especially (except for the Sadducees)

In verse 19ff we see Pilate put a notice that Jesus was King of the Jews. The chief priest protested and wanted it to say "claimed to be" king. But perhaps Pilate here was confessing his belief in what Jesus claimed to be?