The answer is: Spear

John 19:34

As we explore the poignant moment when Jesus' side was pierced, through the poignant detail found in John 19:34—it was a spear that inflicted this injury. This brutal scene takes place during Jesus' crucifixion when a Roman soldier, verifying His death, thrusts his spear into Jesus' side. The act serves both a final confirmation of His death and the fulfillment of prophecy, echoing Zechariah 12:10 which foretells, “They will look on me, the one they have pierced.”

Interestingly, John's Gospel doesn’t dwell merely on the physical act but emphasizes the theological significance. This piercing is more symbolic than we might realize; from His side flows both blood and water, representing the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ death and often interpreted as revealing the church—the supposed body and bride of Christ.

In addition, it’s significant to note that piercing as a form of execution wasn’t commonplace. Traditionally, those nailed to a cross would perish from asphyxiation or exposure. Nevertheless, by piercing His side, John underscores that Jesus’ death was both intentional and ordained, echoing through the ages as a theological cornerstone.

An incredible fact worth highlighting: about a century after this event, early Christian historians thought it was important enough to build rituals and refrains around, creating an unbroken chain of remembrance that spans generations even into wider Christianity today!

This piercing adds to the tapestry of one of the most discussed days in religious history, showcasing suffering but ultimately opening a narrative toward resurrection, hope, and new beginnings.