John 19:37 – “And, as another scripture says: ‘They will look on the one they have pierced.’”

Extended Explanation

This verse points to a prophecy that was fulfilled when Jesus was crucified. John is quoting Zechariah 12:10, which says: “They will look on me, the one they have pierced.” The piercing of Jesus happened when the Roman soldier thrust a spear into His side (John 19:34), confirming that He was already dead.

John includes this reference to make it clear that Jesus’ death was not random—it had been foretold centuries earlier. The Jewish people had been waiting for the Messiah, yet when He came, He was rejected and killed. But the prophecy in Zechariah also speaks of a future time when people will realize the truth and mourn over what happened.

This verse carries both a past and a future fulfillment.

• Past: It was fulfilled at the crucifixion when Jesus was pierced.
• Future: It will be fully realized when Jesus returns, and people recognize Him as the Messiah. Revelation 1:7 echoes this prophecy, stating that “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.”

Historical Context

The prophecy from Zechariah 12:10 was written about 500 years before Jesus’ crucifixion. It speaks of a time when the Jewish people would look upon the one they had pierced and mourn deeply. This was shocking because piercing typically referred to being killed in a violent way, yet in Zechariah, it is God Himself who is pierced. This hinted at the incredible mystery that God’s own Son would suffer for the sins of the world.

When John quotes this prophecy, he is making it clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of Zechariah’s words. The Roman soldiers who pierced Jesus were just following orders, but their actions fit perfectly into God’s plan.

In Jewish culture, crucifixion was considered a humiliating and cursed death (Deuteronomy 21:23). Many Jewish people at the time could not imagine that their Messiah would suffer in this way. Yet, John shows that this was part of God’s plan all along.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Death Was Foretold – The fact that Jesus was pierced was not a coincidence; it was part of God’s plan revealed in Scripture centuries earlier.
2. Recognition and Mourning – Zechariah speaks of people looking upon the pierced one and mourning. This foreshadows how many people would later realize that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, and it also looks ahead to the time when all will recognize Him at His return (Revelation 1:7).
3. The Reality of Judgment and Grace – The prophecy in Zechariah carries both warning and hope. Those who rejected Jesus would face judgment, but those who recognize Him as Lord will be saved.
4. The Piercing as Proof of Jesus’ Death – John includes this detail to confirm that Jesus truly died. If He did not die, then the resurrection would be meaningless. His death and resurrection are the foundation of the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is carefully written to highlight how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.

• Direct Quotation of Zechariah 12:10 – John does not simply hint at the prophecy; he directly states it to make sure the reader understands that Jesus’ crucifixion was part of God’s plan.
• Parallel to Revelation 1:7 – The idea of “looking on the one who was pierced” is repeated in the final book of the Bible, reinforcing its importance.
• Contrast Between Piercing and Mourning – The verse highlights a deep irony: Jesus was rejected and killed, but one day, people will realize the weight of what happened and mourn over it.
• Use of Old Testament Imagery – John repeatedly uses the imagery of the Passover lamb and other Old Testament symbols to show that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Biblical Cross-References

• Zechariah 12:10 – “They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.”
• Psalm 22:16 – “They pierce my hands and my feet.” Another prophecy about Jesus’ suffering.
• Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions.” The suffering of the Messiah was always part of God’s plan.
• Revelation 1:7 – “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.” This verse shows that one day, everyone will recognize Jesus as Lord.
• John 19:34 – The Roman soldier pierced Jesus’ side, fulfilling prophecy and proving that He was truly dead.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that God’s plan of salvation has been in motion for centuries. The piercing of Jesus was not just an act of cruelty; it was a necessary part of His sacrifice for sin. When we look at the cross, we should see more than just a tragic death—we should see the fulfillment of prophecy, the depth of God’s love, and the seriousness of sin.

It also reminds us that one day, everyone will acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Some will mourn with repentance, while others will mourn in regret. This verse challenges us to recognize Jesus now, while there is still time to turn to Him in faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed in how He foretold Jesus’ death long before it happened. He did not leave humanity in the dark—He gave clear signs and prophecies so that people would recognize the Messiah when He came.

This verse also reminds us that God is patient. Even after Jesus was rejected and pierced, He still invites people to look upon Him and believe. His love is available to all who turn to Him in faith.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus, the Fulfillment of Prophecy – His piercing was foretold in Zechariah and fulfilled in John’s Gospel.
2. Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb – Just as the Passover lamb was slain for Israel, Jesus was slain for the sins of the world (John 1:29).
3. Jesus, the Rejected Messiah – Many rejected Him at His crucifixion, but one day all will see and acknowledge Him (Philippians 2:10-11).
4. Jesus, the Returning King – Revelation 1:7 shows that Jesus’ second coming will bring recognition to those who once rejected Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think John specifically quoted Zechariah 12:10?
2. How does knowing that Jesus’ piercing was prophesied hundreds of years earlier strengthen your faith?
3. What does it mean that people will “look on the one they have pierced” in the future?
4. How does this verse challenge you to recognize Jesus as Lord today, rather than later?
5. In what ways does this verse show both the justice and mercy of God?

John 19:37 reminds us that Jesus’ suffering was not an accident. It was part of God’s plan, revealed long before it happened. His piercing was real, His sacrifice was intentional, and one day, all will see Him for who He truly is. The question is, will we recognize Him now in faith, or will we wait until it is too late?