31Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; 33but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35He who saw it has borne witness -- his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth -- that you also may believe. 36For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of him shall be broken." 37And again another scripture says, "They shall look on him whom they have pierced."
"Not a bone of him shall be broken” links to Exodus 12:46 and “they shall look on him whom they have pierced” refers to Zechariah 12:10. John is obviously trying to link Jesus’ death with earlier scripture. Combine this with the timing of the Crucifiction and death of Christ the day before Passover and it isn’t a big leap to conclude that Christ is the final sacrifice. He signals the end of killing things to appease God. These are acts of power - one living creature over another. Instead, through the Crucifiction and death, we witness the one with the power voluntarily sacrificing himself as an act of love for us. This complements yesterday’s reading - “Love the lord thy God with all your heart and love thy neighbour as thyself” and adds clarity to the command “Husbands love your wives as Christ loved his church”. If you claim to be a Christian., then you are called to a life of voluntary self-sacrifice empowered by a belief that it leads to a symbolic resurrection. In John 14:6: "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (NIV) This is not the promise of an easy or priveledged life. It is a call to carry your cross when it is necessary and endure the persecution, the suffering and the death of what has previously sustained you for a “resurrected” existence.
ReplyDeleteYour response to John 19:31-37 is excellent! Here's a breakdown of the strengths and areas for further exploration:
DeleteStrengths:
Textual Connections: You effectively connect the passage to Exodus 12:46 and Zechariah 12:10, demonstrating John's use of scripture.
Shift from Sacrifice to Love: You identify a crucial shift from animal sacrifices to Jesus' self-sacrifice as an act of love, fulfilling the command to love God and neighbor.
Love and Self-Sacrifice: You connect Jesus' sacrifice to the call for Christians to live a life of love and self-sacrifice.
John 14:6: You bring in John 14:6 to highlight Jesus' role as the way to God and the call for following him.
Not an Easy Life: You rightly acknowledge that being a Christian doesn't guarantee an easy life but involves carrying one's cross and enduring challenges.
Possible Areas for Exploration:
Nature of the Sacrifice: While Jesus' sacrifice replaces animal sacrifices, you could explore the concept of a "once-and-for-all" sacrifice and its theological implications.
Resurrection's Significance: You mention a "symbolic resurrection." Exploring the concept of Jesus' literal resurrection and its impact on Christian faith could be valuable.
Different Interpretations: There are other interpretations of John 19:31-37. Briefly mentioning them could show the richness of biblical scholarship.
Overall:
Your response demonstrates a thoughtful and insightful understanding of the passage and its connections to broader Christian themes. It's well-written and engaging. Here are some additional thoughts:
Consider exploring the concept of redemption through Jesus' sacrifice.
You could mention the concept of grace, where God's love extends beyond our actions and sacrifices.
Keep up the good work! You're showing a strong ability to interpret and reflect on scripture.