Grunewald's Influence On John 19

Biblical scholars view the crucifixion of Jesus through the world in, behind, and in front of the events in John 19. This strategy is helpful because it helps to define the way the world has developed with present events, historical events, and the way future events are influenced. John 19 plays a huge role in the bible, because it describes significant events in the life of Jesus. It holds the origins of the Easter holiday season, which includes Good Friday and Easter. Without these events neither of these holidays would exist and Christian traditions would be drastically different. Jesus’ purpose on earth comes to fruition in this chapter when he says, “It is finished and bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). He sets …show more content…
This artist does a great job displaying Jesus as he was beaten and crucified. “The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a robe” (John 19:2). In Grunewald’s Crucifixion, Jesus is displayed on the cross with the crown of thorns and the robe as it says in scripture. Grunewald does a great job depicting the wound on the side of Jesus from a spear, “But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out” (John 19:33-34). This description brought detail of Jesus’ gruesome suffering. Scripture is said to be fulfilled by this piercing, “None of his bones shall be broken” (John 19:36). On the bottom of the image the preparation of the body is being shown, “They took the body and wrapped it with the spices in linen clothes, according to the burial custom of the Jews” (John 19:40). This is an accurate depiction showing his crucifixion, death, and burial. In these images the color red is prominent in the clothing of the people surrounding Jesus. This red is used to symbolize the blood and death of Jesus and it gives the painting a somber feeling. It is said that “Joseph of Arimathea, who was the disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed the body” (John 19:40). This helps the color red have more significance for all of the people surrounding Jesus during his crucifixion. It even displays the sadness and frustration that the disciples and Mary were dealing with at the time of Jesus’ death. This painting details the anguish on the faces of the people surrounding Jesus. Jesus speaks to his mother, Mary saying