They Pierced His Side

In this article we will examine why they pierced the side of Jesus..  It should be said initially that we don't have all the answers to this; but some answers are certain.  We will look at what we know for sure...and maybe even make a few conjectures.

It must be noted that the only account of this in the Bible is found in the book of John, chapter 19.  The other gospel accounts, Matthew, Mark and Luke do not mention the piercing of His side.  "Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should 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."  It was common practice to conclude crucifixion with the breaking  of legs, bringing sudden death.

"Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was  crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs."  So we know at least two reasons why they did not break the legs of Jesus.  The first is that He was already dead.  The second is in fulfillment of Scripture, Psalm 34:20, "He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken."  This is just one of the many prophesies from the Old Testament that were fulfilled by Jesus.

Back to John 19, "But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out."There could be several reasons for this piercing, but what we know for sure is that it is the fulfillment of Scripture.  Zechariah 12:10, "And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn."

In addition to the spiritual reason given above, there could have been other reasons.  The soldier may have just wanted to be sure that He was dead; or he could have done it for no good reason.

The reasons for there being blood and water could be spiritual or physical.  Physically, there could likely have been a build up of fluid from the beatings or from the crucifixion itself.  And there could be a spiritual connection involving blood and water.  This part is too much conjecture for this writer.  We do know that much of this account is in fulfillment of what had been prophesied, all brought to us directly from the Spirit of God who gives all knowledge through His Word, the Bible.

The writer John, speaking of himself, says further: "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 insists that he was an eye witness and that he is telling the truth. And that is the end of the matter.....

Thank you for reading.  Feel the love.