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John 19:30 – Bowed Heads
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit (John 19:30). “Bowing his head” is both physical and symbolic. Naturally, with the spirit gone, and the body hanging on the cross, the head would fall, or bow. What is this final act of Jesus symbolic of?
Before bowing his head Jesus said, “It is finished”. This is a term used by Roman military upon victory. The Greek for bow is klino and can mean “rest”. On the cross, Jesus finished the race and rested.
Bowing is a sign of subjection. Jesus submitted to His Father; but Jesus also submitted to the enemy – death (1 Cor.15:26). Upon “bowing his head” Jesus and “gave up his spirit”.
Bowing the head is also a common prayer posture. Was “It is finished” a prayer? If so, it accompanied another prayer, “And Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father into your hands I entrust my spirit’. Saying this he breathed his last” (Luke 23:46).
When we bow our heads, often we are sharing with Jesus in His final act. We pray. We go to God victorious, resting in prayer. We humbling submit to God in prayer as we bow our heads. At the end of one’s life, may we have spent our life with bowed heads.
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