Broken Legs

Reading the story of the crucifixion of Jesus this week I ran across something interesting and disturbing in John 19.

31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

Jesus had a conversation with the two thieves on the crosses with him. One mocked Jesus and the other asked for grace which Jesus gave when he said, "...today you will be with me in paradise." The man who asked for grace, and was repentant, was promised heaven that very day.

Here are some thoughts:

First, it is apparent from the context of John that crucifixion took a long time, even days, to complete. But Jesus promised the man on the cross that he would be in heaven that day. What a reassuring promise Jesus made to him! You will not hang on this cross for two or three days of agony. It was already afternoon and Jesus promised that by sundown (a few hours) he would be in heaven, his suffering ceased. An amazing prophetic promise from Jesus.

Second, though Jesus made this gracious promise that alleviated days of suffering and promised Heaven to a criminal, the path was still not pain free. What struck me was that the man who received grace still had his legs broken. He has always been our hero at the cross. The guy that proves that it is never too late to accept Jesus! So, why couldn't he have been saved from the leg breaking process? Shouldn't following Jesus make our life more comfortable? Hummmm...

Following Jesus has eternal benefits that can start today. There is no better way to live life, than the way Jesus teaches us to live. That does not mean that we will be saved from every trouble and pain in life. I have people constantly say, "If there is a God, then why did he let this and that happen to me?" There is a God. He has a plan to bless you. Sometimes that plan to bless you the most may mean discomfort at the time, for a moment. And remember, some of our suffering is brought upon us by our own actions.

So, which is worse, broken legs for a few moments and then meeting Jesus in Paradise just like he promised, or being nailed to a cross for two or three days and dying just the same?