Friday, May 16, 2014
John 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
THE HOLE IN HIS SIDE
Crucifixion was a method of execution meant to wring out every last bit of suffering from a condemned criminal before finally causing his death. Utter humiliation, horrible suffering and dishonorable death. These were the major components of crucifixion.
If the criminal had to come down early, they would need to die early. And that wasn't okay as far as the Romans were concerned. Crucifixion was reserved for the worst of criminals, and they would not be permitted a merciful death. So, the Romans would compensate. Before delivering the killing blow by stabbing a spear up under the rib-cage, they would heighten the suffering of the condemned by breaking their legs with some kind of heavy, blunt tool.
After doing this to the criminals on either side of Jesus, the Roman soldiers decided just to stab Jesus with the spear. He was obviously dead already, and therefore no compensation of pain was needed. They would stab Him with a spear all the same. That would verify beyond a doubt that they had done their job.
That's what the hole in Jesus' side told the Roman soldiers. This guy is dead.
But in the upper room the hole in His side spoke a new message to the disciples -- and to Thomas in particular. It now said, "This is Jesus! And death has no power over him any longer!"
The Savior had come. He had suffered for the sins of the world. He had died. And now He had risen to life. And that big hole in His side reminds us that we don't need to fear death anymore. In Christ our sins have been forgiven. And just like He rose from the dead, never to die again, we too shall rise. That is His promise.
He was surely dead. He is surely alive forevermore--our Savior. That is what the hole in His side means.
