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!
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
View all posts by looking2jesus13
LookingtoJesus 