Jesus Side is Pierced

God Loves Us
God's Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love

God's Love as Victory over Death

John 19:31-37 The Message

31-34 Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldn’t stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other. When they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out.
35 The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe.
36-37 These things that happened confirmed the Scripture, “Not a bone in his body was broken,” and the other Scripture that reads, “They will stare at the one they pierced.

For Reflection

With these events, the Roman soldiers fulfilled the prophecy of Isiah.  It was a sign, proof that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus died in less time than persons crucified ordinarily did. Jesus laid down his life on his terms, on God's terms. He yielded to death, yet death did not conquer Christ.  His blood sanctifies us and His water purifies us.

Pray

Pray so that you will remember the passion of Christ.   Pray prayers of thanksgiving for God's sacrificial gift to us. Pray so that you will never forget the grace in God's gift, the Holy blood of atonement and the Holy water of purification.