Thoughts on the Gospel of John (199) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, Not one of His bones shall be broken. And again another Scripture says, They shall look on Him whom they pierced.
John 19:34–37

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (199)
The concern of the Jews to bring about the death of the hanged quickly, so that they would be taken down before the Sabbath, has two consequences:

1. The legs of Jesus are not broken, and thus, again a Bible prophecy is fulfilled. In God’s instructions for the Passover lamb it says, among other things: “nor shall you break one of its bones” (Exodus 12:46). This is very noteworthy. God shows us in this way that the Passover lamb in Egypt is symbolic. It finds its fulfilment in the Lamb of God of Calvary: Christ is the Passover Lamb for us (1 Corinthians 5:7). He gave Himself for our redemption. And even in His death His bones were not broken.

2. A Roman soldier pierces Jesus’ side with a spear. He cannot suspect that at this moment he is fulfilling another prophecy. The prophet Zechariah has announced that the people of the Jews will one day see their Messiah, Him whom they have pierced (ch. 12:10). The main responsibility for this act therefore lies with them, not with the Romans.
But why are blood and water particularly emphasised here? For one thing, as proof that Jesus actually died. For another, every human being needs forgiveness (blood) and purification (water) to receive eternal life. Both have been brought about through Jesus’ sacrificial death.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Job 12:1-25 · Acts 9:1-16