The pericardium is a sac that surrounds the human heart. It has an inner and an outer layer with a small amount of fluid between them. Under extreme stress, the amount of watery fluid between these layers increases until the heart is constricted and unable to beat. When one of the soldiers at the foot of the cross thrust his spear into Jesus’ heart, blood and water came out, revealing that this is what had happened to Him. This is physically significant because it proves the humanity and frailty of Christ. Jesus was a real man, and He really died. There is also a spiritual significance behind the blood and water.
The blood speaks of Christ’s ministry of redemption. When something is redeemed, it is purchased back by its original owner. God originally created mankind for fellowship. However, we were enslaved to the power of sin through the fall of man. God was willing to pay the price to get us back, but only the sinless blood of His Son held the necessary value. Through His blood, we have been redeemed (purchased back) to our original owner.
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV)
The water speaks of Christ’s ministry of purification. Jesus has not only purchased us but He also maintains us by continually cleansing us from our day-to-day sins. When we fail and fall, He does not shake His head in disgust and wonder why He bothered redeeming us. He treasures us and is always there to kneel down and wash away our sinful stains.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
The blood and water signify the Lord’s right to redeem us and His compassion to cleanse us. These ministries are always connected to each other: for Jesus cannot cleanse without first redeeming, and He will not redeem without also cleansing. Let’s thank Him today for the blood that bought us and the water that washed us.
What is Christ’s response to your failure?
What step should you take when you sin (hint: 1 John 1:9)?