John 19:32-34 “So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”
Jesus was dead. What more could they do to Him to increase the pain or hasten His death? The others weren’t dead yet, so the soldiers’ job was unfinished. The jab of the spear was to confirm that Jesus was dead. It wasn’t to kill. God may do something similar with those who are His.
We died when Jesus died. Death, sin, and fear of death were defeated. We died to self so we might live to God. God will send people to make sure we are dead. If we are not dead to ourselves, then expect them to “break our legs.” Our legs are the things on which we trust rather than trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection. If we have died to ourselves, we should also expect God to send people to pierce us. Don’t blame them. They are God’s agents confirming that we indeed died when Jesus died. When love flows out of our hearts, it proves that we are dead to this world and satisfied in Him alone. Loving with Jesus isn’t possible as long as we are hanging on to this life. We must give up our spirits to God and trust Him to give us life. Then love will come out.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
