Promises Kept - God’s Faithfulness Demonstrated - John 19-21

 John 19:23-24 (ESV)

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them,

and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things,

John 19:33-37 (ESV)

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

In both of the above passages we read about something the soldiers did that fulfilled prophetic Scripture.   Both passages that John refers to are taken from the Psalms, from King David’s writings.   These writings are nearly 1,000 years earlier in history.   We know that Jesus’ death was prophesied by Isaiah and other prophets.   We know that Jesus’ teaching often fulfilled many of the quotes from the Old Testament.    But, what is amazing about the above passages is the smallest details of prophecy are fulfilled not by Jesus (who knew the Scripture and would have been compelled to obey it), but that these Roman soldiers completed the prophecy.    These are soldiers who earlier were mocking and scourging Jesus.   They had no knowledge of prophecy about His crucifixion.  They had no desire to make it look like they were part of fulfillment of Scripture.   Yet, here they are, doing exactly the opposite of their nature and brining to fruition the smallest portions of the crucifixion story.   For those who lack knowledge and/or belief that Jesus’ death was foretold and consummated on that day, this is just another piece of evidence for them to consider.  For the believer this is not just evidence.  For the believer this is power to continue to believe even more deeply in God’s authority, Jesus’ intercession and the Spirit’s power in our lives.