Looking on Him Whom they pierced
Ponder: “The water and the blood, from Thy riven side which flowed”
Scripture: “They will look on Me whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10, NKJV).
When the soldiers came to break His legs to hasten His death, they found that Jesus was already dead. However in a final act of wanton barbarism, “one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:33, 34). This was no mere poke, but a vicious stab, producing a gash large enough to accommodate a man’s hand (John 20:27-29).
Some say that Jesus’ blood had separated into its component parts, thus accounting for the blood (heavier, colored part) and water (clear blood serum). However, blood serum isn’t water, and water isn’t blood serum. John specified “blood and water.” Let Bible believers take him at his word! This highly remarkable event was intended to produce faith in our hearts (19:35). It is not to be explained away as a mere natural occurrence.
From the water and blood we can scarcely help thinking of baptism and the Lord’s Super. In water baptism, we are immersed into His death (Romans 6:3) and cleansed by His blood. In the Lord’s Supper, we drink the cup in memory of His blood, which was poured out for the remission of our sins (Matthew 26:28).
The piercing of Jesus’ side fulfilled Zechariah 12:10, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced” (John 19:37). Viewed from the Old Testament, it says, “they will look on *Me* whom they have pierced.” The speaker is God Himself. Though John quotes it from his own perspective as one who witnessed the event, the scripture was actually written from God’s perspective as the One who was pierced. Here, then, is another proof that Jesus was not merely a man, but God in the flesh.
When Jesus comes again, “every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him” (Revelation 1:7, NASB). I wonder if that soldier ever repented and sought the Lord’s forgiveness through obedience to the gospel. I truly hope he did; otherwise he will be among those who mourn when Jesus returns.
What about you? Are you ready to see Jesus?
Song: “Rock of Ages”
Prayer: Gracious Father, we thank You for the water and blood which flowed from the pierced side of Jesus. We marvel at Your love. Help us to love you in return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)