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

Saturday, December 5, 2026

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

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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.

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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.

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