The “Lance of Longinus,” also known as the “Holy Lance” or the “Spear of Destiny,” is a legendary Christian relic believed to be the spear that pierced the side of Jesus Christ during His crucifixion. The name “Longinus” is traditionally attributed to the Roman soldier who wielded the spear. The story of the lance is steeped in history, legend, and tradition, and has captured the imagination of many throughout the centuries. From a biblical perspective, understanding the significance of this relic involves exploring the scriptural account of the crucifixion, the development of the Longinus legend, and the theological implications associated with the spear.
Biblical Account of the Spear
The Spear at the Crucifixion
The account of the spear that pierced Jesus’ side is found in the Gospel of John. According to the Gospel, after Jesus had died on the cross, a Roman soldier pierced His side with a spear to confirm His death.
John 19:33-34 (NIV):
“But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.”
This passage is the only explicit mention of the spear in the Bible. The flow of blood and water from Jesus’ side has been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing it as a sign of Jesus’ humanity and divinity, as well as a symbol of the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist.
Fulfillment of Prophecy
John’s Gospel also connects the piercing of Jesus’ side with the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The Evangelist notes that this act fulfills the prophecy found in Zechariah 12:10 and in the Passover regulations in Exodus.
John 19:36-37 (NIV):
“These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken,’ and, as another scripture says, ‘They will look on the one they have pierced.’”
The reference to “the one they have pierced” highlights the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy and points to the messianic significance of the event. This act of piercing is also linked to the unbroken bones of the Passover lamb, underscoring Jesus as the ultimate Passover sacrifice.
The Legend of Longinus
Development of the Longinus Tradition
The name “Longinus” is not found in the Bible but emerged later in Christian tradition. According to legend, Longinus was the Roman centurion who pierced Jesus’ side and later converted to Christianity after witnessing the miraculous events surrounding the crucifixion.
The legend holds that Longinus was healed of blindness or a severe eye condition when some of Jesus’ blood fell on his eyes. Moved by the experience, Longinus is said to have declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!”—echoing the words of the centurion in Matthew 27:54.
Over time, Longinus was venerated as a saint in some Christian traditions, and the spear he wielded became a revered relic, believed to possess miraculous powers.
The Holy Lance as a Relic
The Holy Lance, or the Lance of Longinus, has been claimed by various churches and empires throughout history. Different relics have been identified as the Holy Lance, including one kept in the Vatican, another in Vienna, and others in Armenia and Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
The spear has been associated with numerous legends, including the idea that whoever possesses the lance holds the power to rule the world, a notion popularized in medieval and modern literature. However, these stories are rooted more in legend and myth than in biblical or historical evidence.
Theological Significance
Symbolism of the Piercing
The act of piercing Jesus’ side has deep theological significance, particularly in understanding the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ death and the flow of blood and water. The blood symbolizes the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, while the water is often interpreted as representing spiritual cleansing and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 5:6 (NIV):
“This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.”
This verse connects the water and blood with the testimony of the Spirit, reinforcing the idea that Jesus’ death brings both purification and new life through the Spirit.
The Spear and the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The piercing of Jesus’ side with the spear fulfills specific prophecies from the Old Testament, as noted in the Gospel of John. This fulfillment underscores the messianic identity of Jesus and God’s sovereign plan of salvation.
Zechariah 12:10 (NIV):
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.”
This prophecy from Zechariah is often seen as pointing to the future recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by those who initially rejected Him.
The Role of Relics in Christian Faith
The veneration of relics, such as the Lance of Longinus, has a long history in certain Christian traditions, particularly within Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. However, from a broader biblical perspective, the emphasis should be placed on the person of Jesus Christ rather than the objects associated with Him.
Colossians 2:16-17 (NIV):
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
This passage reminds believers that the true substance of faith is found in Christ, not in physical objects or rituals. While relics may hold historical and devotional significance for some, the focus of Christian faith remains on Jesus and His redemptive work.
Conclusion
The Lance of Longinus, or the Holy Lance, is a relic shrouded in legend and tradition. While the Bible does mention the spear that pierced Jesus’ side, it does not provide details about the spear’s fate or the identity of the soldier who wielded it. The later development of the Longinus legend reflects the human tendency to venerate objects associated with sacred events, but it is important to distinguish between biblical truth and later traditions.
From a biblical perspective, the significance of the spear lies not in the relic itself but in what it represents: the fulfillment of prophecy, the sacrificial death of Jesus, and the outpouring of grace and new life through His blood. Christians are called to focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true source of salvation and the center of the Christian faith.