Apologetics Podcast

Episode: John: The King On The Cross
Date: July 9, 2025
Host: Apologetics

Episode Overview

This episode explores the profound theological significance of Jesus’ crucifixion in John 18–19. The host unpacks how Christ’s sacrificial death on Calvary fulfills ancient prophecies, specifically linking Genesis 3:15, the Passover narrative, and Old Testament messianic prophecies with the events leading up to and including the crucifixion. The episode encourages listeners to recognize Christ as the prophesied King and perfect sacrificial Lamb whose death was necessary for humanity’s salvation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The First Prophecy and the Anticipation of Conflict

(00:28 - 04:50)

• The earliest prophecy in Scripture (Genesis 3:15) anticipates a climactic conflict between the “seed” (Jesus) and the serpent (Satan).
  • “The first prophecy you see anywhere in Scripture happened three chapters in...I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed...He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his.” (B, 00:36)
• Old Testament history is portrayed as a series of proxy battles pointing ahead to the ultimate confrontation on the cross.
  • Examples include Cain vs. Abel, Pharaoh vs. Moses, Goliath vs. David—each reflecting the broader spiritual warfare culminating in Christ’s sacrifice.
• All these “preliminary rounds” pointed toward Calvary, the “final battle royale,” where Christ (the Seed) faces the serpent directly.

The Passover’s Prophetic Role

(04:51 - 10:50)

• The context of Christ’s death is established as “Preparation Day” for Passover, paralleling Jesus with the Passover lamb.
• The host provides an in-depth review of the original Passover:
  • “Take whatever you perceive Christmas to be...magnify that times 10, and you have what the Passover was to the Jews.” (B, 06:22)
  • Israelites marked their doorposts with a perfect lamb’s blood to be spared from death—foreshadowing salvation through Christ’s blood.
• Listeners are reminded that the feast and sacrificial lamb were always meant to point forward to Jesus, the “ultimate sacrifice.”

Jesus, the Lamb of God

(10:51 - 13:45)

• John the Baptist’s recognition of Jesus (“Behold the Lamb of God”) is revisited.
• The chief priests’ failure to see Jesus as this Lamb, even as they orchestrate his death during Passover, becomes a tragic irony and fulfillment of prophecy.

The Circumstances of the Crucifixion

(13:46 - 18:50)

• Jesus bears his own crossbar to Golgotha, “the place of the skull.”
  • On the practical and symbolic significance: “Why would you have a man carry the beam, the means of his own execution, through the city? ...it had the effect of quelling some of the rebellion that otherwise might occur...” (B, 15:28)
• Detailed account of the crucifixion setting, debunking common visual tropes (e.g., Jesus lugging a full cross).
• The two criminals beside Jesus—one mocks, the other ultimately turns to Jesus in faith.
  • “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (B, 17:50)
  • Jesus’ response: “Truly, truly, I say to you. Take it to the bank, my friend. Today you’ll be with me in paradise.” (B, 18:28)

The Inscription and Irony: “The King of the Jews”

(18:51 - 21:50)

• Pilate authorizes the sign over Jesus: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
• The chief priests object, but Pilate refuses to alter the inscription.
  • “‘What I have written, I have written.’ Ever watch the Ten Commandments with Yul Brynner? So let it be written. So let it be done.” (B, 21:43)
• The episode underscores the irony and the blindness of the religious leaders, who, in rejecting Christ, fulfill even more prophecy:
  • Zechariah 9 and Psalm 118 mentioned as prophecies about the Messiah being rejected by His people.

The Soldiers, the Garments, and Fulfilled Prophecy

(21:51 - 23:53)

• Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothing, directly fulfilling Psalm 22:18.
  • “When Christ was crucified, he was crucified naked...They cast lots to see whose [tunic] it would be.” (B, 22:00)
• Host reads from Psalm 22, noting its minute prophetic alignment with crucifixion details a millennium before Jesus' time.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the fulfillment of Prophecy:
  • “I love that I can go to Genesis 3 or Psalm 22 or Isaiah 53 or John 19 and see the same narrative.” (B, 23:58)
  • “Prophecies written down centuries earlier are fulfilled in exacting detail centuries later. And that just doesn’t happen...except in holy Scripture.” (B, 24:06)
• On the meaning of the cross:
  • “Although you can do nothing, Christ has done everything. On Calvary, a body was broken. On Calvary, blood was spilled. And on Calvary, God’s law, his wrath were fulfilled.” (B, 24:12)
• On the thief’s faith:
  • “Not because you earned it, not because you deserve it, you clearly don’t. But because you had faith and you’ve professed it even with your last breath.” (B, 18:34)

Timestamps of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:28 | Genesis 3:15 introduced as the first prophecy of Christ versus Satan | | 06:22 | The cultural and religious magnitude of Passover | | 10:51 | Passover lamb as a type of Christ, John the Baptist's declaration | | 13:46 | Jesus carries the crossbar to Golgotha, Roman customs explained | | 17:50 | The penitent thief’s confession and Jesus’ promise of paradise | | 18:51 | Sign over Jesus: “The King of the Jews,” Pilate and the priests’ dispute| | 21:51 | Division of Christ’s garments, fulfillment of Psalm 22 | | 23:58 | The cohesiveness of Biblical prophecy and fulfillment | | 24:12 | Summary of salvation by Christ’s work |

Final Reflection

The host closes with a call to personal response, emphasizing the gospel’s central message: humanity’s sin made Jesus’ sacrificial death necessary, but his resurrection seals our hope. Fulfillment of ancient prophecies demonstrates the reliability and divine authorship of Scripture, compelling listeners to faith and worship.

For deeper study:

• Read Genesis 3, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, and John 19 for interconnected prophecy and fulfillment.
• Reflect on the parallels between the Passover lamb and Christ’s atoning death.