2 Chronicles 25:1-28; Ezekiel 42:1-20; John 18:28-19:16
One of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. John 19:34
This is the first mention of blood being shed at the cross. There was more, of course, as Jesus was beaten severely, His head pierced with thorns, and His hands and feet nailed to the cross. But it is mentioned here for the first time, in connection with water. Is this connection to affirm its wondrous cleansing power? We do know for a certainty that, “without shedding of blood is no remission [of sin]” (Heb. 9:22) and “In [Him] we have redemption through his
blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Eph. 1:7). What a comfort to know that precious blood was shed and we can claim it for the forgiveness and cleansing of our sin. —Mary Robins
Precious, precious blood of Jesus, shed on Calvary,
Shed for rebels, and for sinners, shed for me! —Frances R. Havergal