His Bones Never Broken

Apr 4, 2026    Pastor Jordan McGehee

In John's gospel account of the crucifixion, we discover that the seemingly minor detail of unbroken bones carries enormous theological weight. In the Passover celebration, the lamb's bones could not be broken because it represented wholeness and preservation—a sacrifice that remained complete and unblemished. The symbolism runs deep: broken bones in ancient understanding signified utter destruction and irreversible affliction, while whole bones represented preservation and hope. When John records that none of Christ's bones were broken at the crucifixion, he's making a stunning declaration—Jesus is the fulfillment of every Passover sacrifice throughout history. 


But there's more. This also fulfills David's prayer in Psalm 34, where he declares that God keeps all the bones of the righteous. What does this mean for us today? It means that while our bodies may suffer, while we may face affliction and brokenness in this life, our core—our eternal spirit—remains preserved in Christ. We share in His resurrection hope. Just as the Father preserved His Son and raised Him whole, so too will we be raised. This isn't just ancient history; it's the foundation of our confidence when facing suffering, persecution, or even death itself.