ALREADY GONE

May 10

Bible Reading: John 19:31-42

John 19:33-34, “But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.”

“On a scale of 1 to 10, what’s your pain level right now?”  They ask that question of Laura at every visit to the oncologist.  She usually says about a “four,” though it’s hard to say exactly because it’s kind of subjective.  Members of our hospice team ask the same question of our hospice patients, as pain management is a key concern in providing compassionate care.  Our nurses do a great job of finding and using the best medications in order to provide the highest level of comfort to the patient.

No one asked Jesus about His pain level when He was dying on the cross.  In fact, the point of crucifixion as punishment was to maximize pain.  It wasn’t just the pain associated with having nails driven through one’s hands and feet; it was the pain associated with the ongoing struggle to breathe. The body was situated such that the chest wall was in a permanent position of maximum respiratory inspiration.  To exhale, it was necessary to force the body upward, which was accomplished by pressing down on the nails in the feet.  As the legs became fatigued, breathing became increasingly more difficult.  And the heart and organs suffered for it.

Jesus did not die like the others.  He and the two thieves had been on their respective crosses for the same period.  At the close of day, the two thieves were still alive.  So, the soldiers came and broke their legs.  But when they found that Jesus was already dead, they did not break his legs (John 19:33).  Instead, they pierced His side with a spear, the blood and water bearing witness to the reality of His death (John 19:34).  That they did not break His legs fulfilled the prophecy, “Not one of his bones will be broken” (Psalm 34:20).  He died on His terms. His life was not taken from Him. When the time came, “He gave up His spirit” (Matthew 27:52; John 10:17-18).

Jesus experienced unimaginable pain on the cross, especially in bearing the sins of us all.  He even refused the wine mixed with gall that would have dampened his pain (Matthew 27:34).  We also experience pain, sometimes quite severe, which we try to avoid at all costs. But Jesus embraced the pain and suffering on the cross willingly.  He did that to save us from our sins and bring us one day to a place where there will be “no more pain” (Revelation 21:4).  “Hallelujah, What a Savior!”

Jesus willingly embraced unimaginable pain on the cross so that He could bring us to a place where pain will be no more.

HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR!
“Man of Sorrows!” what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!