John 19:32–34

In these verses we have the Souldiers part, contributing to clear this truth and accomplish prophecies; They (upon Pilates granting this desire, and commanding of them, both which are to be supposed here) do execute what the Jewes desired, upon the other two, v. 32. But finding Christ already dead, they do not break his bones, v. 33. but one of them will make all sure, by thrusting a speare into his side, and searching for life at the well-head thereof, and accordingly, there came out blood out of his heart, and water from about it, proving that he was really dead, v. 34. In all which the Lord had an over-ruling hand, to see to the accomplishment of prophecies, as is after cleared. Whence learn, 1. All things outward may come alike to all, and however men may be in different conditions before God, yet he may let their outward lot be equal; for, here, albeit (as the rest observe) there was great difference betwixt these two, the one being penitent, and the other not, yet they are alike handled, they came and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 2. Albeit where the Lord pardons sinne, there remains no satisfactory punishment, to be payed by the sinner to justice; yet the Lord may see it fit to pursue pardoned men with rods, for their own exercise, and the instruction of others; for, albeit the one was pardoned, yet he not only suffered death, but his legs were broken. 3. Christ our Lord was not only nailed to the crosse, but did really die and give up the ghost, to satisfie divine justice; for, of this the Souldiers were witnesses, who when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was dead already. And that he was so soon dead, before the other two, doth not only evidence that he, having death at his command, might die when he listed, and when he had done his work; But also, that he had more upon him then any of them, and therefore was the sooner dispatched by death, and taken away as a prisoner. 4. No opposition will make void the purposes of God, but opposition and difficulties in the way of what he hath purposed, are let forth for this very end, that he may manifest the immutability of his counsel; for, albeit the Jewes desire, Pilates command, and the Souldiers intentions, concurred to break his bones; And albeit there was great hazard that they should execute it, having broken the legs of these on every side of him; nor was there any great ground to expect that these bloody souldiers would not exerce their cruelty upon him, though dead, (as they did in piercing of his side;) Yet seeing God had determined the contrary, they are impeded, they brake not his legs. 5. The Lord needs not miraculous waies and actings, whereby to fulfill his purposes; But he may bring about his especial providences and purposes in a very common way, and in the ordinary actions of men; for, this purpose of God is fulfilled of their own free accord, upon a clear and rational ground; when they saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs. 6. Albeit Christ over-ruled his enemies, that they should not make void his purposes; Yet no cruelty was omitted toward Christ, dead or alive, which might testifie the great desert of our sins; nor was there any needful evidence wanting, which might make clear the truth of his death; for, But one of the Souldiers with a spear pierced his side, &c. Albeit they were over-ruled that they should not break his legs, yet they cease not to exercise cruelty upon his dead body, and they put the truth of his death out of contraversie. 7. That Christs side was thus pierced, may point out unto us, how deeply he was wounded for our sins; and that, as his side was pierced, and a passage opened to his heart, so by his suffering we may look into his heart wounded with love to us, and pouring out it selfe for us; and, That as an hole was made in Adams side, to take out a wife, so a hole was made in his side, to take in his beloved bride to his heart. All this may we gather from this, that one of the Souldiers with a spear pierced his side. 8. That water and blood came out at this wound, it serveth not only to confirme that he was really dead, the spear piercing his heart, and drawing out the blood thereof, and the water that was about his heart to refresh it: But it may further point out that it is he who came by water and blood, 1 John 5.6. and that from the merit and efficacy of his death, there floweth out water, to regenerate and wash us from our uncleannesse, and blood, for obtaining remission, and for sprinkling and quieting of the conscience.