The answer is: Spear

John 19:34

In John 19:34, we're told that when Jesus hung on the cross, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear. This vivid moment captures not just a brutal ending to His earthly life but also holds profound symbolism. The piercing serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (like Zechariah 12:10, which spoke of looking upon the one they had pierced).

Interestingly, the spear is a simple instrument, yet it becomes iconic in this context, producing immediate clarity – blood and water flowed from Jesus’ side. Some theologians have interpreted this symbolically as representing the birth of the Church, akin to how Adam's rib created Eve. Here, from Jesus’ side, new life flows, suggesting something transformative is on the horizon, aligning perfectly with the Resurrection just a few days later.

As for trivia, if you think about it, the piercing of the side is indirectly mentioned in several later Christian traditions and even seen as a herald of hope. The image of Jesus’ Sacred Heart, signifying divine love and compassion, can be traced back to this very moment – reminding believers that through suffering can arise new understanding and connection. Isn’t it fascinating how one event can ripple through time, echoing its significance in layers as diverse as art, theology, and personal faith journeys? Just one more instance of how intricately woven the narratives of the Bible really are!