Aug 4, 2020
Jesus is now being lead to the site of execution, a place called Golgotha. Though not stated by John, it is just before this is when Jesus is scourged, such a harsh beating that many died on the spot. Jesus was crucified with a criminal on each side of Him. Pilate had prepared an inscription reading in three languages, Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” This angered the religious authorities but Pilate refused to take the sign down. Toward the end of the ordeal we find His mother Mary, Mary’s sister, another Mary the wife of one Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Some commentators say there were only three women, and the disciple whom Jesus loved, clearly John the author of this Gospel, there in front of the cross. Jesus instructs John to care for Mary and for Mary to look to John as her care giver, which corresponds with Jewish life at that time.