His Side Pierced for Us

The fourth point of these Lenten Messages concerns Jesus side. As His time on the Cross is coming to a close we note the “Seven” things He said from the Cross. It would be well for us to hear the depth of these sayings. [1] “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Lk.23:34] This is seen in Scripture as the rulers “derided” Jesus, saying He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” [Lk. 23:43] [2] Jesus spoke with compassion to the thief who turned Him: “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” [3] When Jesus saw His Mother, “Woman, behold thy son, and to John He said, Behold thy Mother.” [John 19:26-27]  [4] Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama sa bach tha ni? That is to say, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? [Matt. 27: 46] [5] Jesus knowing that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.” [John 19:30]  [6] Again Jesus cries with a loud voice: “Father into Thy hands I commend My spirit:” [Luke 23:46]  [7] Jesus said “It is Finished: He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”[John 19:30]   The sun was darkened over all the earth and the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from top to bottom! Now we can go boldly unto the Presence of God! It is now that the final point of our Message unfolds: John 19:33-34  “When they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear Pierced His side, and forthwith came there out Blood and Water.”  I have given a lot of thought to this moment over the years as we approach this season of Jesus suffering. This is not a Doctrine, just a thought to ponder: Perhaps as the Blood and Water flowed from His Side, the Holy Spirit of Promise entered into the earth! His Blood to cover our sins and His Holy Spirit to bring Truth and Comfort.  John is the only one who writes of this Piercing, He also writes in 1 John 5: about the Water and the Blood and the Spirit. Some think of the Water as the Word, others think of the Water as the Spirit. Little is said about this moment at the foot of the Cross. Most theologians talk about the “washing of the Word” and the Cleansing of the Blood unto Salvation. And always as they discuss, I hear the Spirit attached! Jesus said; “If I go away the Comforter will come.”  As He left this earth, the Blood and Water poured forth from His Side – His Side was riven for us and the Holy Ghost arrived!  Loving you, Pastor