Wednesday 19 July 2023

Background

In John’s Gospel, timing is everything. Both Jesus and the gospel’s narrator talk frequently about the hour when Jesus would be glorified through his crucifixion and death. Several times, as in today’s passage, we are informed that other events (such as Jesus’ arrest) did not occur because "his hour had not yet come" (v. 30).  

Before his ministry had really begun, Jesus attended a wedding in Cana with his mother (who, in John’s Gospel, is not given the name ‘Mary’). When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother encouraged him to intervene, and he replied: "My hour has not yet come" (2:4). (Of course, this didn’t stop him from saving the bride and groom from embarrassment by miraculously turning water into the highest-quality wine.) By chapter 12, however, Jesus was well aware that his time was fast approaching (John 12:23, 27; 13:1).  

The author of John’s Gospel clearly felt that Jesus was fully in control of his destiny – that he chose the cross, the events that led up to it, and the hour at which his death was to take place. John’s Jesus does not pray that God would "remove this cup" from him (cf. Luke 22:42). In contrast, he says: "And what should I say –'Father, save me from this hour?' No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour." Nevertheless, his soul is troubled (12:27). John’s Jesus knows "all that was to happen to him" (18:4) and, in his humanity, experiences a very understandable sense of fear and anxiety.  

The crucifixion in John’s Gospel has a distinctive feel – Jesus is not abandoned by his fearful disciples (although he is still betrayed by Judas and by Peter) and there is no anguished cry from the cross. Instead, Jesus, still fully in control and knowing that his work to bring about salvation is complete (19:28) receives a drink of wine, and then says simply: "It is finished" (19:30). 

To Ponder:

• Read through the crucifixion narratives in each of the four gospels, noting the distinctive characteristics of each. Which do you prefer? 
• Why do you think, in John’s Gospel, there is such an emphasis on the timing of Jesus’ death? How were those who wanted to arrest him prevented from doing so when Jesus’ hour ‘had not yet come’? 
• To what extent do you think God has control over our actions? 

Prayer

Gracious God, we think once again about the cross on which your son died, and his willingness to shoulder such a burden on our behalf. We offer to you the gratitude of our hearts, and promise to follow the example of self-giving love set by your son, our Servant King. Amen.

Note from 'A Word in Time' 
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