The priests and rulers were amazed to find that Christ was dead. Death by the cross was a lingering process; it was difficult to determine 772 when life had ceased. It was an unheard-of thing for one to die within six hours of crucifixion. The priests wished to make sure of the death of Jesus, and at their suggestion a soldier thrust a spear into the Saviour's side. From the wound thus made, there flowed two copious and distinct streams, one of blood, the other of water. This was noted by all the beholders, and John states the occurrence very definitely. He says, "One of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced." John 19:34-37.

Men de jødiske ledere blev ikke forandrede ved de begivenheder, de havde været vidne til. Deres had over for Jesus var ikke blevet mindre. Det mørke, der havde indhyllet jorden under korsfæstelsen, var ikke tættere end det, som stadig hvilede over præsternes og rådsherrernes sind. Ved Kristi fødsel havde stjernen kendt ham og havde ledet de vise mænd hen til krybben, hvor han lå. De himmelske hærskarer havde kendt ham og havde sunget hans pris over sletterne ved Betlehem. Søen havde kendt hans røst og havde adlydt hans befaling. Sygdom og død havde anerkendt hans myndighed og havde overladt ham deres bytte. Solen havde kendt ham, og ved synet af hans lidelse i døden havde den skjult sit lys. Klipperne havde kendt ham og var smuldret hen i rædsel over hans råb. Den livløse natur havde genkendt Kristus og havde aflagt vidnesbyrd om hans guddommelighed. Men Israels præster og rådsherrer kendte ikke Guds Søn.