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January 20 The soldiers therefore came, and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other man 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 there came out blood and water. John 19:32-34. Because bodies were not to remain on the cross on the Sabbath, the Jews directed that the three men have their legs broken—hence hastening their death. But Jesus had already given up His spirit. Death by crucifixion is caused by suffocation; the lungs fill with water. Hence, when one of the soldiers pierced His side, there came water from the lungs and blood from the body. The earthly body of Jesus was truly dead. Spend time in silent prayer, all the while meditating on the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. Even in death He sends a message that fulfills all of the Scripture. The Old Testament speaks of the wine, which was symbolic of the blood that covers our sin. The Scriptures speak of the cleansing water, the living water that flows from Jesus. The mind of man is not sufficient to fully understand these things, but we will learn from Him throughout all eternity. Jesus gave up His life even while we were yet His enemies. He gave up His life without one plea from us. He loved us so much that for the joy of the resurrected life beyond the cross He freely gave His life. We can do no less that love Him in return, serve Him and obey. We are creatures who owe our very existence to His grace. Father, You have achieved Your deepest desires when You gave Your only begotten Son. We pray that each day we may display all the nature of the Christ-life as we walk with Him. Thank You again. We pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen. |
