Today’s Reading: John 19:32-33 (NIV)
32 The soldiers therefore 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.
Good morning!
If you’ve ever suffered a broken bone, then you will understand just how limiting and useless that limb can quickly become. I broke a toe last summer. I had no idea how important toes are to balance and walking. It has been months and I still find myself nursing it along. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t wear regular shoes, and I may never be able to wear a shoe with a heel again. I find it amazing that something so small could hurt so much.
My husband is nursing a broken elbow. He is in a cast from his fingertips to his shoulder. Simple things we think so little about have become quite the challenge, like putting on a pair of socks. We know his cast is short-lived, and we wait with eager anticipation for the day when he will no longer need it. Until then, Jeff can choose to color coordinate his arm with the liturgical season of Lent. It is a good thing that we really like purple at the parsonage!
When my father-in-law broke his leg a few years ago, I watched as he worked hard to regain mobility. After the cast came off, he went through months of physical therapy, just so he could walk without the assistance of a cane, sit down and stand up. We do not fully realize the support our bones give to flesh and how our entire bodies can be adversely affected when one bone is broken.
In the grizzly act of crucifixion, the condemned hangs in a suspended fashion from the cross, fighting for every breath. It is only by pushing up with the legs that another breath can be taken. If the legs do not function, then the prisoner cannot breathe, and he will suffocate in his own bodily fluids.
Jesus willingly gave up His Spirit. The Romans discovered there was no need to break his legs. The breath of life left the Master’s frame and entered into human hearts. His broken body became our salvation. His blood was shed so that we might inhale the fresh breath of everlasting life. Jesus died to heal our brokenness, whether it is a broken bone, a broken heart, or a broken life.
Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today. He has the power to heal the broken things in your life, and make you completely whole in Him.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
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