What Jesus Did! 'Blood and Water' — John 19:31-34

Monday, December 5, 2022

It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn't want the bodies hanging [on the crosses] the next day, which was the Sabbath ... So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn't break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
— John 19:31-34 NLT

Key Thought

John, the writer of the Gospel of John, was a witness to this death of sacrifice and love that bought our redemption. [1] He wanted us to realize that we are witnesses, too. When we share in baptism (with its water) and in the Lord's Supper (with its ”fruit of the vine" as Jesus' blood [2]), the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit helps the Savior's loving death becomes part of us. Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sins so that we can live with him. Blood and water provide that ultimate sign of death and sacrifice. Through grace, we are invited to share in Jesus' death and sacrifice and to be saved by him! We then become witnesses to their power in our lives.

[1] John 19:35.
[2] Luke 22:17-20 NIV

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, how could you do this for me - how could you hold back your power and let your Son die for my sins and the sins of all of us sinners? As the old hymn says, dear Father, "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all." Thank you, in Jesus' name and because of his sacrifice. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Blinded by the Wrong
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn't want the bodies hanging [on the crosses] the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very...."

Illustration

Illustration of John 19:31-34 NLT — One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 5, 2022

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Romans 14:5
"One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Will Ultimately Elevate His Obedient People'
"Now it shall be, if you diligently listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all of His commandments which I am..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Listening to the Wrong Voices' (Acts 27:10-15)
"[Because of potentially bad weather, Paul told the ship's officers of his concern about continuing the trip to Rome:] "Men," he said, "I believe..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Water of Life' (Re. 22:1-2)
"Then the Angel showed [John] Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!