FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 DEVOTION

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

TEXT: John 19:31-42

31. Therefore, because it was the preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken, and that they might be taken away.

32. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him.

33. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.

34. But one of the soldier pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

35. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.

36. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.”

37. And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

38. After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.

39. And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus at night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.

40. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.

41. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.

42. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

(New King James Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE

The implication of stepping into Sabbath is to be sure that the bodies of those crucified are not left hanging on the cross. To have those crucified die faster is to be more brutal in having their legs broken.

Imagine the additional pains that one who dies through crucifixion. Jesus did not allow His bones to be broken because He was the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20).

In place of the bones, His side was pierced to fulfill Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 1:7. In this case, blood and water came out to ascertain that He has indeed died according to the testimonies of witnesses in vs. 35.

Jesus had secret disciples (Joseph and Arimathea and Nicodemus) that actively participated in burying Him.

QUESTION: How would you quantify the trauma of one who dies through crucifixion?

PRAYER: I can only imagine the experience you had on the cross for my sake Father. Kindly reveal more of yourself to me, Amen.

Remain Blessed                                 

ECWA Food For The Day, 2022.