Tag: pierced His side
The Truth of Jesus’ death!
Scripture reading for May 1: John 19
“Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth–that you may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.” And another Scripture says, “They will look on Him Whom they have pierced.” John 19:31-37
One of the foundational truths of the Christian faith is that Jesus was the Son of God. This record of John is written to help us believe that Jesus Christ really did die. He willingly gave up his spirit after finishing His suffering for our sins. His last act was to declare His thirst, and the cup of sour wine was offered. After He completed that final act, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” Everything necessary for our salvation had been accomplished. He gave up His spirit at that point. This would be three in the afternoon preceding the Sabbath of Passover week, a Holy High day that would start at sundown.
To prepare for Sabbath, the Jews wanted the crucified bodies removed before sundown. They appealed to Pilate who then dispatched soldiers to break the legs of the criminals and Jesus to insure a quick death. Often, crucified individuals could hang there for several days before death by using their legs to help breath. Both other crucified men had their leg bones broken, but Jesus was already gone. The soldiers, wanting to be sure of death, pierced Jesus’ side, puncturing the heart and sack of fluid around it. In doing both of these acts, Roman soldiers who did not know the Scriptures, fulfilled the Word of God!
How does this very detailed account of Jesus’ death on the cross and the events afterwards help your world view concerning Jesus? Who do you think was the one who reported these things that we might believe? Have you chosen to believe yet?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing account of the details of the death of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Scripture is amazing in that it reveals Truth and details that help those of us who doubt to believe. Help those who may be reading this account to open their hearts to Jesus Christ, Son of God. Amen.