Bible Study With The Bishops: Jesus On The Cross

Reading Plan Text for June 23: John 19:19-24

The Crucifixion. John’s account lacks many of the details found in the Synoptic Gospels. Burridge reminds us “John stresses that Jesus is in control throughout the Passion..” (p. 220). Pilate, however, is able to have the last word with the Jewish religious leaders. They object to what he wrote, in three languages, on the placard: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.

“Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” (19:21-22)

In his discussion of the soldiers dividing up Jesus’ garments, Burridge tells us, “Part of the humiliation was being executed naked in public view.” (p. 221) Naked? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a naked Jesus on any crucifix I’ve encountered so far. Usually he is depicted wearing some sort of loincloth. And speaking of depictions of Jesus on the cross, have you ever really looked at them when you see them? The guy looks pretty good for someone who spent the last three years of his life wandering and then just endured a beating before being crucified. Clean, well fed, not a hair out of place… Clearly, some crucifixes show us the risen Christ, and others have different messages, but rarely do you see the full agony of crucifixion in them.

Here is the kind of depiction we're accustomed to in most artwork.


Here is Carivaggio's ECCE Homo. Note how calm and serene Jesus is, showing none of the effects of his flogging.



Clothing on the crucified Jesus appears even in early depictions, as in this 8th century icon.


This poster shows a Jesus who looks like he works out at least three times a week!

Poking around on the internet, I actually found a naked Jesus on the cross--a little known work by Michaelangelo.


This next "sculpture," done in 1801 by James Legg, is rather gruesome. It was

cast from the corpse of a murderer, taken straight from the gallows to be nailed to a cross and flayed in order to settle an artistic debate. Three Royal Academicians... conducted this experiment to prove their belief that most depictions of the Crucifixion were anatomically incorrect. " --The Royal Academy of Arts Website

And finally, here is Edwina Sandys' 1975 Christa.

All of these images are worth reflection and meditation.

Peace,
Jeffri