Father Mike Schmitz concludes the week-long reading of John's Gospel on day 105 of the Bible in a Year podcast, covering John chapters 19-21 and Proverbs 6:16-22. Using The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press with the Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition, he guides listeners through the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The episode explores the profound theological connections between Jesus' sacrifice and the Passover lamb, examining details like the timing of his condemnation, his seamless priestly garment, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Father Mike emphasizes how John's Gospel reveals Jesus as simultaneously priest, sacrifice, and altar.

The discussion covers Jesus' final words from the cross, his gift of Mary as mother to all disciples, the resurrection appearances to Mary Magdalene and the apostles, and Peter's restoration. Special attention is given to Jesus granting the apostles authority to forgive sins and the nuanced Greek words for love in Peter's threefold questioning.

Jesus as the Perfect Passover Lamb

Jesus was condemned at the sixth hour, the exact time when Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the temple, fulfilling John the Baptist's declaration of him as 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.'

Pilate's threefold declaration 'I find no crime in him' established Jesus as the unblemished lamb required for Passover sacrifice, and no bone was broken as required by Mosaic law.

The crucifixion occurred on Golgotha, which is on Mount Moriah - the same location where Abraham offered Isaac and where God said 'God will himself provide a lamb, my son.'

The Priestly Garments and Sacrificial Details

Jesus wore a seamless tunic 'woven from top to bottom' - an ephod, the same priestly garment Samuel wore in the temple and that priests used during sacrificial rites.

The soldiers casting lots for the garment fulfilled scripture while highlighting that Jesus was simultaneously the priest offering the sacrifice, the sacrifice itself, and the altar.

The hyssop used to give Jesus vinegar was the same plant used to apply lamb's blood to doorposts during the original Passover in Exodus.

Mary Given as Mother to All Disciples

From the cross, Jesus told his mother 'Woman, behold your son' and the beloved disciple 'Behold your mother,' giving Mary to be the mother of every disciple, not just Catholics.

The beloved disciple represents every disciple beloved of God, and 'from that hour he took her into his own home' is the call for every Christian.

Connecting Last Supper to Crucifixion

Jesus' words 'It is finished' completed the Passover sacrifice begun at the Last Supper, where they didn't drink the fourth cup before going into the night.

The crucifixion connected the Eucharist ('This is my body, this is my blood given for you') with Jesus offering his body and blood to the Father on the cross.

Apostolic Authority to Forgive Sins

After resurrection, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained.'

This authority given to the apostles is the basis for priestly absolution, with James chapter 5 showing them immediately forgiving sins in Jesus' name.

Peter's Restoration and Different Types of Love

Jesus asked Peter 'Do you love me?' using agape (self-sacrificial love), while Peter responded with philia (brotherly friendship love).

Jesus eventually acquiesced and asked 'Do you love me as a friend?' showing he meets us where we are, even when our love falls short of his ideal.

Despite Peter's denial, Jesus restored him with 'Feed my lambs, tend my sheep' - demonstrating that Jesus doesn't just forgive and reconcile, but has power to completely restore us.