One Order Broken and God’s Grace Displayed To the World
Throughout the Gospel of John it is reported over and over that his greatest desire is so that you will know the truth so that you might believe and receive Grace upon Grace. John saw the awe, the wonder and the beauty of God’s Grace toward man. He was amazed by how God fulfilled every Old Testament scripture that foretold of Jesus. John longed for his people to realize that truth. After Jesus had died on the cross, John stood and watched alongside Mary, the mother of Jesus. Then, what happened immediately next John saw as an amazing portrait of both God’s Sovereignty and God’s Grace to the world. He saw this as so important that he swears to its truth and its power to make you believe. What was so astonishing about this and why did John see it as so powerful a truth?
Let’s read the scripture first. “31 The Jewish leaders didn’t want the victims hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath at that, for it was the Passover), so they asked Pilate to order the legs of the men broken to hasten death; then their bodies could be taken down.32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus; 33 but when they came to him, they saw that he was dead already, so they didn’t break his. 34 However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. 35 I saw all this myself and have given an accurate report so that you also can believe.[a] 36-37 The soldiers did this in fulfillment of the Scripture that says, “Not one of his bones shall be broken,” and, “They shall look on him whom they pierced” (John 19).
So what was so amazing about all this?
5 AMAZING TRUTHS
1. GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER ALL. The Roman soldier had been given a direct order to break the legs. Perhaps the Jewish priests had considered the scripture that “bone would be broken” and of certain they knew that an appropriate sacrificial lamb had to have no broken limbs. Was that part of their desire here? Had they wanted to prove that Jesus for certain was not the sacrificial lamb? Yet, the roman soldier when he looked upon Jesus; did not break His legs. That was a direct disobedience and would not have been in character for a soldier; except that God’s Sovereign Will interceded and the Soldier pierced the side of Jesus where blood and water poured forth. Without knowing a word of Jewish scripture, the roman soldier was fulfilling the Scripture concerning Jesus. Think about it. That is Amazing!!
2. GOD’S PROMISES ARE TRUE. In Zechariah 12, God yet foretells that one day Jerusalem will mourn for “whom they have pierced.” Jesus in every way was God’s Word made alive and visible. Every promise of Grace fulfilled. “4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53).
3. UNDENIABLE PROOF OF HIS DEATH—this was an undeniable proof of the death of Christ, so that the miracle of His resurrection could not be questioned either.
4. REDEMPTION’S GRACE FLOWED FORTH: The blood of Christ poured forth from his side as most likely the sword pierced his heart. “Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelations 1)
5. LIVING WATER POURED FORTH. For all who come to the fountain of living water, we are promised that He will satisfy our thirst. Life Abundant and Rich can be found in Christ.
CONCLUSION: God’s Sovereignty caused even an Unbelieving Roman Soldier to disobey his order so that every scripture could be fulfilled. Isn’t that amazing? More Amazing is that He loved me so much that He took upon Himself all my sin, my shame, and my sorrow so that I might find redemption and life abounding with Joy in Him!! Do you know Him? Do you believe in Him?
The Song I chose for you today is: Oh my Soul Arise
photo is by permission https://unsplash.com/jonathanbean I added the words.
Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.