Lent Day 40: Witnesses (John 19:32-35,41-42)

Lent Day 40

Witnesses

John 19:32-35,41-42

32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other.

33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.

34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.

35 The 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.

41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.

42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

◇ Witnessing Jesus suffering and dying on the cross is a profoundly difficult thing. I lack the literary skill to vividly describe the process in detail, but it must have been a sight too harrowing to behold. The sounds that would have reached the ears, not just the sights seen by the eyes, would have been unbearable—the groans and cries of those crucified, how loud and intense they must have been.

Moreover, watching a loved one endure the agonizing pain of death is an immense suffering in itself. Why did people who loved Jesus, such as John, Mary, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, stay to watch this painful scene until the end?

Through their testimonies, we hear about Jesus' death. The records of the witnesses inform us about Jesus' death. Through the witnesses, we can be certain that Jesus was crucified and died for the people of the world. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we can be assured of the forgiveness of our sins.

Now it is our turn. What have we seen of Jesus? Let us share and record what we have witnessed. Let us become like John, Mary, Joseph, and Nicodemus in spreading the word about Jesus for the salvation of others.

Lord, thank you for revealing the truth so that we may trust in you. Now, let us also become witnesses who proclaim you! Holy Spirit, lead us into all truth! Amen.