No Broken Bones

Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, "Not a bone of Him shall be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." John 19:31-37 

He was dead. Jesus was dead. It was finished. His earthly life was over. The Jews were fanatical about keeping their ritual of not burying the dead on the Sabbath. Today Orthodox Jews or devout Conservative Jews still follow the tradition of burying the dead, before sunset, or as soon as possible—depending perhaps on how far the family must travel to reach their deceased relative. Death is final—and grieving may take weeks or months, but by their custom, they still get the deceased in the grave quickly. When Jesus died the Sabbath was the next day. The Jews didn’t want a reminder of the crucifixion—or those criminals still hanging on the cross. They wanted the process to be over. Break their legs. Let’s get on with this—so we can have our Sabbath in peace with purity. What an attitude!  

RSVP: Jesus is asking you today—what is your attitude about the Sabbath? Do you observe the commandment to keep that day holy? Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8. How will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, Your life on earth was over—but Your influence into the lives of the world still continues today. May Your Kingdom come quickly and Your Father’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.