Wednesday, February 25, 2015
John 18:32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
PLACES OF THE PASSION -- THE GOVERNOR'S HEADQUARTERS (PRAETORIUM)
There are two places in Jerusalem thought possibly to be the site of the Praetorium. The first is Herod's palace. This was located on the far west side of the ancient city of Jerusalem. Pontius Pilate is thought to have stayed in Caesarea, but during Jewish feasts he came to Jerusalem. On some occasions he is thought to have stayed in Herod's palace, so for some this was the site of the Praetorium. The other possible site is the Fortress of Antonia. The Fortress of Antonia no longer exists, but it was once a complex with four towers built by the Romans just north of the temple mount. It served as the barracks for Roman soldiers stationed in Jerusalem. It's possible that during busy Jewish feasts, the Governor stayed in the Fortress of Antonia. Therefore it would be considered the Praetorium.
We can't say which is the actual site of the Praetorium. Wherever Pontius Pilate was staying, it was there that the religious leaders appeared early Good Friday morning to hand over Jesus, whom they had condemned to death.
The Scriptures foretold in both word and picture how the Savior of humankind would die. In Psalm 22 King David foretold that in dying the Christ would be pierced (Psalm 22:16-18). The Prophet Zechariah foretold the same, even pinpointing the location (Zechariah 12:10). Jesus' death by crucifixion not only fulfilled the words of the Old Testament prophets, it fulfilled the words of Jesus Himself. Jesus foretold His death by crucifixion at the hands of the Gentiles in no uncertain terms, along the road to Jerusalem. The Gospel of Matthew records His words (Matthew 20:18-19; Luke 18:32): "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day" (ESV).
Of what value is this to us? This isn't an isolated example, but one of many. This seemingly insignificant matter confirms yet again that God's Word is reliable and what Jesus promises takes place. Therefore we can be sure the Scripture is accurate when it assures us that (1 John 1:7, Mark 16:16): " ... the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved."
Moreover when Jesus makes a promise to us it is also reliable (John 11:25-26a): "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die."
Praise God for His rock solid Word of Promise!
