OBJECTIVE:

• John 19:17-24

EXPLORE:

(These are different commentary notes that can be used to explain the context to our students. Feel free to use your own.)

Context / Background / History

• “The place called Golgotha, “the Skull,” was probably a hill outside Jerusalem along a main road. Many executions took place here so the Romans could use them as an example to the people.” (Zondervan, 2011, NIV Life Application Study Bible Commentary)
• “The Hebrew word Golgotha means “cranium, skull”; Calvary is the Latin equivalent. We are not told why it had this peculiar name.” (Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary)
• The Place of Golgotha and the presumed location of Jesus’ crucifixion historically - Golgotha Location – The Place of the Skull

Crucifixion

• Pilate delivered Jesus to the chief priests; and they, with the help of the Roman soldiers, took Jesus to be crucified. “It was the most cruel and shameful of all punishments,” said the Roman statesman-philosopher Cicero. “Let it never come near the body of a Roman citizen; nay, not even near his thoughts or eyes or ears.” (Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary)
• Crucifixion of Jesus Bible Project video - https://bibleproject.com/video...

Prophecy Fulfilled

• The proof of Jesus being the promised Messiah is played all throughout the Old Testament but we see this full on display even more in the reading of Jesus’ Crucifixion.  
• “That Jesus was crucified with two notorious thieves only added to the shame. But it also fulfilled Isaiah 53:12, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” He was treated like a common criminal! (Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary)
• “Roman Soldiers in charge of crucifixions customarily took for themselves the clothes of the condemned men. They divided Jesus’ clothing, casting lots to determine who would get his seamless garment, the most valuable piece of clothing. This fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 22:18.” (Zondervan, 2011, NIV Life Application Bible)

STUDENT RESOURCES:

• Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 382–383.
• Bible Project Study Guide for Gospel of John - https://bibleproject.com/guide...
• Drive Thru History with Dave Scott’s - Golgotha Location – The Place of the Skull
• Crucifixion of Jesus Bible Project video - https://bibleproject.com/video...

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: 

Scripture (S)

• Read it together!
• What details stood out to you in this passage that you may have not noticed before?
• What context provided stood out to you as well?

Observation (O)

• Jesus died a death that was very humiliating, shameful and brutal. What stood out to you most about Jesus’ crucifixion?
• Why do you think the Pharisees and Pontius Pilate disagreed about the engraving they put on Jesus’s cross?

Application (A)

• How can you deepen your understanding of who Jesus is when other people identify Jesus as something outside what the Bible says? 
• What things can you give up to draw closer to Jesus on a daily basis? 
• Just like Jesus what can you give up to help others draw closer to God?

Prayer (P)

• Have you ever accepted the free gift salvation Jesus offers? Lead students in the sinners prayer. 
• Ask God to help you personally make Jesus the King of Your heart.