The importance of a blow of spear

"When they came to Jesus, when [the soldiers] saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs ; But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear ; And forthwith came forth blood and water." John 19: 33, 34

What a profanation this lance-thrusting carried on a lifeless body ! It is, however, governed by the providence of God. The apostle John insists on its importance and insists on attesting it : "He who has seen it testifies, and his testimony is true (he knows that it is true) so that you also believe" (John 19). 35).

Three consequences of such an act can be highlighted :

- The blood of Jesus Christ that flows after the lance is the blood that "purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1: 7). The apostle Peter emphasizes his worth : "You have been redeemed from your vain conduct ... through the precious blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:18, 19). It was indispensable that such blood be shed, for "without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness," that is, no forgiveness of sins (Heb. 9:22).

- The death of Jesus ascertained by the soldiers shows that he gave his life himself, that no one could take it from him. She spared him the fate reserved for the other tortured : the breaking of their legs to hasten death by suffocation. Thus the prophecy quoted by John - "Not one of his bones shall be broken" (John 19:36) - is fulfilled and remains a testimony for the Jews. The quotation also refers to the Passover lamb : "You shall not break a bone" (Exodus 12:46). Now the Passover is a prefiguration of the cross : "Our Passover, Christ, has been sacrificed" (1 Cor 5: 7). This is also a powerful testimony for the Jews to lead them to recognize the Messiah, especially since this festival is a major event for them.

- The wound of this spear will remain a testimony for the Jews in the future : "They shall look unto him whom they have pierced" (John 19:37, Zech. The prophecy of Zechariah evokes the great tribulations suffered by this people, which will provoke a spirit of repentance and bring the day of their deliverance. This wound will enable them to recognize Christ, who died on a cross for their salvation, when he comes to establish his reign (Rev. 1: 7).

Source (To pleasing the Lord)