Thursday, April 6th

No Broken Bones

These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”

John 19:36

Read John 19:31-37

It could take days to die on a cross. This was exactly why crucifixion was used. Death was not the aim of this wooden device. It was designed for long, agonizing torture. Under normal circumstances, Jesus and the two thieves would have been left hanging in the exposure under the heat of the sun and the attack of the birds. But this was not the case on that day.

Because of the Sabbath, and especially the Passover celebration, the Jews requested of Pilate that the bodies be removed. It was not desirable to have the special “high days” contaminated with the presence of these crucified bodies.

The typical procedure of hurrying the death involved breaking the legs with hammers or clubs and then piercing the criminal with the sword. The broken legs were simply to add pain. It was the final piercing that brought death.

As the guards finished their work, they broke the bones of the two men hanging on either side of the Savior, but when they approached Jesus they realized that He was already dead. Scripture had promised that “Not one of his bones will be broken.” (John 19:36b). The legionnaire drove a lance through the side of Jesus. It slid between his ribs and punctured the collection of water around his heart. Out poured both water and blood. This fulfilled what Scripture predicted that “… he was pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5a).

Something to think about

1. What time does the Sabbath officially start?

2. What was the significance of Jesus dying at Passover?

3. Read Isaiah 53:5. How does it apply?