The answer is: Spear

John 19:34

When contemplating the piercing of Jesus' side, we dive into a poignant moment in the Gospel of John. John 19:34 tells us that a Roman soldier used a spear to ensure Jesus was indeed dead after hours of agonizing crucifixion. This act, while seemingly an involuntary continuation of the violent means of execution, carries profound significance.

Most intriguingly, the Gospel writers often want us to see how Jesus' death fulfilled the Scriptures. In Zechariah 12:10, it mentions a day when they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and this connection between prophecy and event hints at the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ sacrifice. Here, the spear isn’t simply a tool of death but a symbol of insight and realization—highlighting the divine provocation of reflection on the part of the witnesses and believers.

Moreover, the symbolism of blood and water that flowed out (as noted in the same verse) has been interconnected with themes of baptism and purification, reminiscent of the New Covenant’s unveiling contrasted with the old at the temple. As Christians partake in rituals akin to communion, the act of sharing bread and wine reflects the vulnerability and sacrifice represented by that spear.

Interestingly, while crucifixion itself was a common form of punishment in Roman times, the details surrounding Jesus’ death, from the spear to the subsequent hastening of His burial before the Sabbath, inform our understanding of urgency and the fulfillment of prophetic timelines and the rabbinical laws at play.