32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
There aren’t many times where Jews and Gentiles cooperated. They hated one another. There were not many times the Romans would cooperate with the sub-servant class of people, but the soldiers joined the taunting and the ridicule of Jesus.
When people have a common enemy, they unite. When people gathered at Golgotha, they united Jews and Gentiles to hurl insults, mocking and abusing at this same Jesus. The Bible makes it clear that all of us who sin are part of the crucifixion of Jesus.
I do not understand why people are quick to point their finger at others for killing Jesus. It is easy to say Pontius Pilate killed him. He represented the political and Gentile world. The Romans finished their part as Gentiles by casting lots for His robe, by nailing Him to the cross and by piercing His side to show blood and water mingled down - a sign of his death. This too was to complete the greater plan of God.
Sin separates. Christ unites. Faith in Christ unites people of different races, genders, and nationalities. We realize we had a part, because of our sins, in the death of Christ. We are given the wonderful opportunity to receive forgiveness and become part of a group of new brothers and sisters who speak different languages, have different customs and dress, and have different skin colors. We are people who unite with different spiritual gifts and abilities for one cause- to serve Jesus Christ and advance His Kingdom.
The prophet Isaiah not only predicts Jesus' horrible death, but who it was that brought Him to the cross. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”
John, who saw it told His story. It is true. He testifies of what he had seen and heard for one purpose- that the world may believe. John would clearly say “I saw it happen. I was there. I stake my life on it.” God inspired him to write a written record that we might know that Jesus died for our sin out of love.
Jesus finished His part. The Jews finished their part. The Gentiles finished their part. John explained his part by telling the story. Continuing to tell the story is also our part. It is the part of the Holy Spirit to plant that story in us so we will continue to pass it along and convince hearers of their need for a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Application: Today after meditating and praying over this, share these truths of scripture with someone. Share the strengthening words of the prophecies and the fulfillment in Christ.
Prayer: Father, I am always amazed at Your Word and how it all fits together so perfectly to tell the old old story of Jesus and His love. I love how your Word from Genesis through the book of Revelation declares the redemptive story of Christ’s death and resurrection. Thank you for uniting us with other believers through your Holy Spirit.
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