John 19:31-37

Our Pierced Savior

 

Introduction:

The Scripture places great emphasis upon the fact that Jesus had to die for His people in their place.  Jesus faced a horrid death by crucifixion.  The Psalmist characterizes that death as being pierced through his hands and feet with nails. (Psa. 22:16) The prophet Isaiah specifically states the piercing was for our sins and transgressions of the Law of God. (Isa.53:5) The piercing of our Savior appears to be a lasting scar and sign of His death especially when we see in the Revelation of John, Jesus’ at the Second Coming (Rev.1:7).

 

I.                   THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WATER AND BLOOD

A.     Mosaic Law – Deut 21:22-23

1.      No executions permitted on religious feast days

2.      Death must be hastened before the Sabbath – v.32

 

B.     Blood and Water Theories:

1.      That the blood and water symbolize two sacraments – (Chrysostom, Cullmann)

2.      That the blood and water are understood by some to have a mystical sense.  (Eve taken from Adam’s side)

3.      That the blood and water have no spiritual significance but rather the body trauma. (Dr. Stroud)

 

 

 

II.                THE ESSENTIAL POINTS OF CHRIST’S DEATH

A.     Recorded for a good reason:

1.      It is to prove that Jesus is really dead. (Gnostics)

2.      It marks the fulfillment of Scripture – Psalm 34:20; Zech. 12:10 (C.H. Spurgeon)

3.      Jesus bones were not broken which identifies Him as the Passover Lamb – Psalm 34:20; Ex. 12:46; Num.9:12; I Cor.5:7

Turn & Read: Exodus 12:1-14

4.      John calls our attention to the context and fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10-13:1 (Poet William Cowper)

5.      John’s Epistle gives us another dimension to blood and water I John 5:6

 

a.       The word  order is different – “Water and Blood” (Two Sacraments)

b.      Water is associated with Jesus’ baptism and Blood is associated with the centrality of the Christian Doctrine (Atonement)

c.       The witness of the Father to Jesus – John 5:37-47 “Water” which is in fact used as a symbol of sanctification – Eph. 5:26; John15:3; 17:17; Psalm 119:9

 

 

 

Conclusion:

 

  1. We have a complete and perfect Savior - His “blood” atones for our sin. The debt we owe has been paid to God to free us from the slavery of sin and the captivity of the devil.
  2. We have a complete and perfect Savior – His ‘water” is a fountain cleansing all and every sin. We are sanctified and made pure by the Word of God!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

1/27/2008