The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other man, who had been crucified
with Jesus. When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs.
One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a lance, and immediately there came outblood and water.
The one who saw that, has testified to it, and his testimony is true; he knows he speaks the truth, so that
you also might believe. All this happened to fulfill the words of Scripture: Not one of his bones shall
be broken. Another text says: They shall look on him whom they have pierced.

Reflection:

Jesus died on the cross during that first Good
Friday. The Jews are worried that the body
will be left hanging when Sabbath comes. Then no
work can be done. The body will be there for everyone to
see what they have done. And so, they themselves
petitioned Pilate that it be brought down. As is
customary, the legs are broken so that the crucified
will die of suffocation. The body cannot support its
weight and slowly, the lungs will collapse. Jesus
was spared that agony. He was already dead when
the guards checked Him. His violent treatment in
the hands of the Roman soldiers has taken its toll.
Yet even in death, some of Jesus’ faithful disciples saw
meaning in His condition. They interpreted it in the
light of their scriptures. Thus the memory of Jesus’
sacrifice and its meaning lives on in the testimony of
those who witnessed it.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021