John 19:31-42

Be Still: Lord as I sit and reflect on your Word, open my eyes to see you. Amen

Read: John 19:31-42

The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: ’Not one of his bones will be broken,’ and, as another scripture says, ‘They will look on the one they have pierced.’ (vv35-37) 

Encounter: I love that John was present at the crucifixion of Jesus and that he's giving his personal account, confirming its truth. The reason he adds this witness declaration is so that we who read it, may confidently believe. Eyewitness accounts of events are incredibly powerful: they provide context, specific details and give a fuller picture of what happened. I love that every single detail John gives us is there so that we may believe. 

We also see that everything that happens, however apparently unplanned, was in fulfilment of Scripture: the Old Testament is full of prophecies about the coming Messiah, and I’d encourage you to read through the prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus on the Cross. It’s incredible just how much detail is found in them.

Verse 36 tells us that ‘Not one of his bones was broken’ This fulfils a prophecy in Psalm 34:20, Exodus 12:46 and Number 9:12. The Roman soldier, in not following the usual procedure of crucifixion, would not have known that he was fulfilling an exact prophecy from Scripture. Other prophecies are fulfilled from Zechariah 12:10 and Zechariah 13:6. 

These prophecies are all there so that we would believe. When we see and read these accounts and believe, then our eyes will open wider to the wonder of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for us.

Apply: Today’s passage speaks assurance that God will fulfil his promises. There may be areas of your life where you are waiting for prayer to be answered. Spend time releasing those desires to God. He will answer them in his time. 

Devote: Father, thank you for the eye-witness accounts of your crucifixion. Help us to rediscover the wonder and awe of your love for us today.