Another Broken Heart

While Christ was on the cross, John tells us that for religious reasons, the Jews besought Pilate that his legs, and those crucified with him,might be broken. To show a fulfillment of Christ as the True Passover Lamb, verse 33 of John 19 tells us that:

When they came to Jesus and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs.

Anciently, David had prophesied:

He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. (Psalms 34:20)

What gift then, did the broken bread represent? The next verse in John continues:

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith there came out blood and water. (John 19:34)

In the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) 21 March 1986, there is a medical analysis of the crucifixion. In it, the doctors conclude that the blood and water that poured out after the soldier's sword was thrust in his side was an indication that the largest factor in Christ's death was a cardiac rupture; in other words, a broken heart.

This was his supreme gift offered to us as the prospective bride, and we are reminded of it every time we partake of the sacrament bread. Only with an open, humble, and receptive heart can we fully appreciate and receive this great gift. Little wonder then that to show our grateful devotion and mutual commitment, he asks for a similar sacrifice on our part.

Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Doctrine and Covenants 59:8

(Beloved Bridegroom, pgs 116-117)