Unbroken

For millennia, crucifixion – a form of execution – has been considered one of the most brutal and horrific of capital punishments. In fact, it’s been used in some parts of the world as recently as the 20th century. Perhaps, this is due to its multifaceted effectiveness.

Used to dissuade the perpetration of crimes, crucifixion was intended to bring about a slow, excruciating, gruesome, humiliating, and public death with the victim often being nailed to a cross and left to perish via exhaustion and asphyxiation.

As if that weren’t enough, the criminal would typically be stripped naked prior to being fastened to the thick, heavy beams of the cross. This would achieve a heightened shame and vulnerability on top of the condemnation already heaped upon the guilty party.

If the offender hadn’t succumbed to suffocation, their legs were broken with an iron club. This expedited death while providing an additional deterrent to those observing the crucifixionSo, why were the legs of Jesus left unbroken while he hung on the cross for all to see?

Some might say it was because he had died, which he did, bypassing the necessity of breaking his limbs. Yet, those of us who are true believers know precisely why - today’s verse, as part of God’s Word, prophesied such. Written by King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit as part of God’s sovereign plan, and foretold centuries beforehand, it was fulfilled by our mighty Savior.

Jesus’ fulfilment of a prophecy hundreds of years after it’s declared should leave us in a state of humble gratitude and great confidence for the power behind the Word of God and Jesus’s destiny to fulfill that Word.

In light of all this and so much more, let us rejoice! Rejoice! For unto us a child is born, Christ Jesus our savior!

Father God, not only is your Word truth, but it contains prophecies that could only be perfectly fulfilled by your son, Jesus Christ. Only he could bring them to pass and I am thankful in inexpressible ways. It is with deep hope that my life truly displays the profound gratitude I have for all that Jesus has accomplished through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Thank you, Jesus. It’s in your name, I pray. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Reflect on how the multiple detailed prophecies fulfilled by Jesus help you trust in God's Word. Thank him often for all the assurances he gives us that his Word is sure, certain, and inspired.