Topical Bible: Spear: Plunged Into Jesus' Side

◄ Spear: Plunged Into Jesus' Side ►

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The spear that was plunged into Jesus' side is a significant element in the crucifixion narrative, symbolizing both the fulfillment of prophecy and the profound reality of Jesus' sacrificial death. This event is recorded in the Gospel of John, which provides a detailed account of the crucifixion and the events surrounding Jesus' death.

Biblical Account

The specific incident of the spear thrust is found in John 19:31-37. As the crucifixion took place on the day of Preparation, the Jewish leaders requested that the legs of those crucified be broken to hasten their deaths, ensuring the bodies would not remain on the crosses during the Sabbath. The soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus, but when they came to Jesus, they found that He was already dead. To confirm His death, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, resulting in a sudden flow of blood and water. John 19:34 states, "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out."

Theological Significance

The piercing of Jesus' side holds deep theological significance. It serves as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically Zechariah 12:10, which speaks of looking on the one they have pierced. John 19:36-37 emphasizes this fulfillment: "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.'"

The flow of blood and water from Jesus' side has been interpreted by theologians as symbolizing the sacraments of the Church, particularly baptism and the Eucharist. The blood represents the atoning sacrifice of Christ, while the water signifies purification and new life through baptism. This dual symbolism underscores the belief in Jesus' death as the source of spiritual life and cleansing for believers.

Historical and Medical Considerations

From a historical and medical perspective, the flow of blood and water has been analyzed to understand the physical realities of crucifixion. Some scholars suggest that the presence of both blood and water could indicate a rupture of the pericardial sac, which surrounds the heart, or a separation of blood components due to the trauma of crucifixion. This detail, while medically intriguing, ultimately serves to affirm the reality of Jesus' death, countering any claims that He merely swooned or survived the crucifixion.

Symbolic Interpretations

Beyond its immediate context, the spear thrust into Jesus' side has been viewed symbolically as a representation of humanity's rejection and violence against the divine. Yet, paradoxically, it also becomes a symbol of divine love and grace, as Jesus' death opens the way for reconciliation between God and humanity. The piercing of His side, therefore, is not only a moment of human cruelty but also a profound revelation of God's redemptive plan.

In Christian art and tradition, the spear is often depicted as a tool of both suffering and salvation, reminding believers of the cost of their redemption and the depth of Christ's love. The event invites reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation and the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission on earth.

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John 19:34
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and immediately came there out blood and water.
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John 20:27
Then said he to Thomas, Reach here your finger, and behold my hands; and reach here your hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
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Zechariah 12:10
And I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look on me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
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Revelation 1:7
Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
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Library

The Dead Christ
... had said, "A bone of Him shall not be broken." It seemed the most casual circumstance
that the soldier plunged the spear into the side of Jesus, to make sure ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xxii the dead christ.htm

The Crucifixion.
... and water which John affirms followed this spear thrust, and ... the words and the life
of Jesus, all his ... a burning zeal for God, He was plunged into an arctic ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxi the crucifixion.htm

The Tomb of Jesus
... And unbelief the spear.". ... he saw me sinking in the depths of hell; he plunged in ... another;
the constituent particles of this my frame will enter into plants, from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the tomb of jesus.htm

The Death of Christ for his People
... him covered with his own blood, and plunged into the uttermost ... mention now, the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ ... they set it abroach with the spear, and forthwith ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/the death of christ for.htm

Particular Redemption
... How often are you now plunged into the ditch, till your own ... urge Him on, perhaps
with many a spear-prick, till at ... we are told in our text, came into the world ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/particular redemption.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... once in affluence but have been suddenly plunged into the lowest ... grace that you shall
never come into that place of ... rack, and my heart to the spear, yet should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved
... Christ says, "Stay, vengeance, stay." Lo, the spear is even ... tenfold depths of slumber;
they have plunged into a sea ... of your election in Christ Jesus, no trust ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peculiar sleep of the.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... entitled his work"'The Anabaptists ducked and plunged over head ... anywhere on this
side the Lord Jesus Christ: but ... of the Virgin Mary, did come into the world ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

A New Creation
... as well, when one has been plunged in sorrow ... be turned into the sickle, and the spear
into the pruning ... of Christ your philosophies must sink into darkness as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a new creation.htm

The Power of the Holy Ghost
... and worshiping their false gods, and so plunged in superstition ... They break the bow,
and cut the spear in sunder ... we could look about six feet deep into its bowels ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the power of the holy.htm