30th November 2024
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
THEME: BEHOLD THE PIERCED ONE
Theme Scripture: "However, one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water." -John 19:34 ASV
PREPARATORY QUESTION
- Why was Jesus pierced on the side?
Jesus had been crucified on the cross with two others—a thief and a murderer. With the Sabbath drawing near, the Jewish leaders sought to end the whole drama before the evening of that Friday. Eventually, they got what they wanted. The enemy of their lives had been crucified. These leaders sought Pilate's permission for their legs to be broken so that they might die quickly and be taken off the cross (John 19:31). When they got to Jesus, He was already dead. There was no need to break His legs (John 19:33) so that the scriptures might be fulfilled (Psalm 34:20). To be sure that Jesus was dead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear. Instantly, blood and water came out of His side.
Beloved, John the Apostle attests to this truth that on the cross, the blood and the water came forth for our eternal redemption (1 John 5:6). Science interprets this blood and water from His side as a sign of a ruptured heart, precious one. But we know that this blood and water is our "double cure." By His blood, we are atoned; by the water, we are cleansed. Jesus, our Lord, did not come by water alone, but by both so that our redemption might be eternal. This is why Apostle Paul could boldly write to the church in Colosse: "In whom [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood; the total cancellation of our sins." (Col 1:14). Glory to God.
Precious One, Jesus was pierced that the scripture might be fulfilled: "They shall look on Him whom they have pierced." (Zech 12:10). The more we behold "The Pierced One," the more we are free from the dominion of sin and the guilt of it. As we behold Him, we are brought into that revelation:
"He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we were healed." (Isa 53:5).
Beloved, who are you looking up to day by day? Is it your wounded Lord or the struggles of your soul? Upon whom have you set your gaze? He bowed His head so you can lift yours. The more you behold your pierced Lord, the more you are cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. Behold the Pierced One.
God bless you.
FURTHER READING: John 19:31-37
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
- How is the finished work of Christ central to your Christian living?
PRAYER
Father, thank you for the finished work of our Lord. You have said that we will look up to Jesus, the pierced One. Today and the rest of my days, I set my gaze on my Lord who has been pierced for my sake. Sin and its power are broken forever in my life. Indeed, I am free. Glory Hallelujah!
ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Esther 7, Esther 8, Obadiah 1, Hebrews 3, Hebrews 4, Hebrews 5
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