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[Radio Broadcast Friday, April 14, 2017]
The crucifixion of the Lord Jesus went according to the Roman routine. They always guarded the criminal against any interference from spectators. Their work was not done until the delivered a corpse to whoever cared to bury it.  We know that Jesus' mother was there to watch the horrific scene while that sword which was prophesied to strike through her soul smote her heart. In the background the Jewish leaders also kept watch and as they saw the sun dipping in the sky they requested of Pilate that the bodies be removed before the Sabbath came on at dusk. They lobbied Pilate to have the legs of the victims broken so that their limp bodies would decline into a strangled death. I want you to listen to John's account of this ending of Jesus' final hours on the cross.

Jesus' Side Is Pierced

"The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 

Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 

But 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. 

And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 

For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. 

And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."
John 19:31-37
 
See how many points of crucial details unfold in this final scene of our Saviour's death. All of these things are for our faith. They were fulfilled and carefully recorded so that we might believe. First, note that Jesus really died.  Second,  that the smallest of prophecies were so carefully fulfilled.  Remember that this is Jesus' finest hour. This is the time and place when he, as Redeemer of His people, brought all of God's purposes of redemption into full light.  So, he died.  
Not a bone of his was broken though his body was pierced with the spear of the Roman soldier.  Out from the Saviour's heart flowed blood and water - the medical evidence of undeniable death. And this was to be witnessed by all around. They looked upon Jesus when He was pierced.  And as I say, this is for our faith.  Every Christian that is saved by the power of the gospel knows that the power of His conversion, his cleansing from sin and victory over sin is through that object of faith --  the pierced side of Jesus.
There is life for a look at the Crucified One,
  There is life at this moment for thee;
Then look, sinner, look unto Him and be saved,
  Unto Him who was nailed to the tree.
Look! look! look and live!
There is life for a look at the Crucified One,
  There is life at this moment for thee.
Oh, why was He there as the Bearer of sin,
  If on Jesus thy guilt was not laid?
Oh, why from His side flowed the sin-cleansing blood,
  If His dying thy debt has not paid?
It is not thy tears of repentance or prayers,
  But the blood, that redeemeth the soul;
On Him, then, who shed it, thou mayest at once
  Thy weight of iniquities roll.
Then doubt not thy welcome, since God has declared
  There remaineth no more to be done;
That once in the end of the world He appeared,
  And completed the work He begun.
Then take with rejoicing from Jesus at once
  The life everlasting He gives;
And know with assurance, thou never canst die
  Since Jesus, thy Righteousness, lives.