Day 35: The Pierced Side — John 19:31-37

Welcome to Day 35 of our Lent series "From Promise to Resurrection." Today, we reflect on a poignant moment from the Gospel of John, specifically John 19:31-37, where the piercing of Jesus' side is described. This event not only fulfills Old Testament prophecy but also holds deep theological significance.

The passage recounts that to ensure the death of those crucified, the soldiers broke the legs of the men crucified alongside Jesus. However, when they came to Jesus and found Him already dead, they did not break His legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. This act fulfilled the Scripture, "Not one of his bones will be broken," and, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

Let's delve deeper into the implications of this event. The flow of blood and water from Jesus' side has been interpreted in various ways by theologians. Physically, it signifies the real, human death of Jesus, countering any claims that He did not truly die. Theologically, the water and blood can symbolize baptism and the Eucharist, respectively, which are central sacraments in Christian faith representing purification and communion.

This fulfillment of prophecy is crucial. The unbroken bones reference Psalm 34:20, typically applied to righteous sufferers. The piercing, prophesied in Zechariah 12:10, becomes a poignant image of Israel's future mourning for the Messiah they pierced. This dual fulfillment ties the Old Testament's anticipation of a suffering Messiah directly to the events of the crucifixion, bridging promise and fulfillment.

Moreover, the act of piercing Jesus' side reveals the extent of God's love and the depth of Jesus' sacrifice. It serves as a visual confirmation of His death for our sins, an essential element of Christian doctrine. The Apostle John emphasizes this moment to assure us of the historical reality and the theological truth of the Gospel narrative.

In our Lenten journey, as we move closer to the resurrection, reflecting on this moment invites us to consider the weight of Christ's sacrifice. The piercing of His side is not just a fulfillment of prophecy; it is a call to recognize the depth of God's love expressed through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. As we look upon Him, whom they have pierced, we are reminded of the cost of our redemption and the boundless grace extended to us.

Today, let us meditate on the significance of this event. May it deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice made on our behalf and renew our commitment to live in the light of this profound truth. As we continue our journey from promise to resurrection, let the reality of Jesus' death, symbolized by the blood and water from His side, inspire us to walk faithfully and gratefully in the path of the One who gave everything for us.