Jesus is Crucified, Part 6 Jesus' Side is Pierced

John 19:31-37 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,”  37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”

THE Jewish authorities’ cruelty is too horrible to understand. These men were not used to condemning people to die. Jesus’ truth had stirred a deep hatred in their heart against God’s Son. These murderous leaders convicted Jesus in a sham trial. They forced Pilate, the Roman governor, to crucify Jesus. Their jealous eyes watched the Teacher scourged, and they delighted in his crucifixion. Now to be sure Jesus is dead they instruct the centurions to break his legs.
    In a great irony, this final insult is to preserve the sanctity of the Sabbath. Then they could “religiously” celebrate the Passover within the Laws of Moses. Did they ever think they were killing the Living Word, the One who authored and fulfilled the law, the one who made the law perfect by his love?
    That day the Jews’ rulers displayed the hypocrisy of their position. Entrusted and commissioned with upholding the law, they had broken several laws regarding the arrest, trial and judgment of an accused man. Matthew records Jesus condemned these men eight times with, “You  hypocrites!” Hypocrisy is a great crime against God. Be sure you do as you say and live as you confess.
    But God had another plan from eternity past. His Son was already dead on the cross. His leges were not broken. Another prophecy regarding the Messiah is fulfilled. The Passover Lamb met God’s requirements. God keeps his own Law.
    And then Jesus’ side is pierced. This is evidence, my friends, clear and concise, that Jesus had died. Turn away the swoon theories and other lies doubters use to make the resurrection a farce, and look to the dead body of our Savior. He must pass through death to become the Living Lord. God wants you to clearly know that his Son is dead on a cross. We must mourn and know our sin is the cause of Jesus’ misery foretold in Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Living a resurrected life is to grieve that our sin caused Jesus, the Son of God, to die for us.
 
Resurrection Truth: Your sin is now dead when you confess Jesus died on a cross.