Prophecies Fulfilled
in Death

John 19:31-37

31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

Notes

John records the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion, emphasizing the fulfillment of Scripture and the certainty of His death. This passage follows the climactic moment in which Jesus declared, "It is finished," bowed His head, and gave up His spirit (John 19:28–30). The preceding verses highlight Jesus’ sovereign control over His own death, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the completion of His redemptive work. A consistent theme throughout John 19 is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It reveals that every event, from Jesus' trial to His death, occurred according to God’s plan. This theme carries into the actions of the Roman soldiers who unknowingly fulfill Scripture: Jesus’ bones remain unbroken (Psalm 34:20, Exodus 12:46), and His side is pierced (Zechariah 12:10). The author affirms the historical and physical reality of Jesus' death, debunking later theories that He only fainted on the cross. John's eyewitness testimony (John 19:35) directs the reader to believe in the truth of Christ’s sacrificial death.

1. Unbroken Bones

   The Jews requested that the bones be broken to hasten death so the prisoners couldn’t push with their legs to breathe. This was to follow the ceremonial law (Deut. 21:22-23). However, Jesus was already dead. There was no need to break His legs. The soldiers pierced the Lord’s side to be sure, then blood and water poured out.

   
   31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water (John 19:31-34).
   

   Application: God’s sovereignty extends even to the most minor details of history. We can trust Him in every circumstance. He has ordered the steps of those who believe in Him. Let us believe that His will shall be done whether we go through suffering or victory.
   

2. Purpose of the Witness

   The writer referred to himself as the one who witnessed the crucifixion. Thus, it is an eyewitness account; John was there himself. He attests that he is telling the truth. The purpose of the account is so that the reader would believe Christ.
   
   35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe (John 19:35).

   Application: We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Lamb of God, Messiah, the Good Shepherd, the I AM, God Himself, and more. It is not based on blind faith; there was testimonial evidence, now documentary evidence, found in the New Testament.

3. Prophecies Fulfilled

   The text reveals two prophecies fulfilled: not one of His bones was broken, and the piercing at the side. John records at least fourteen prophecies fulfilled in the whole account, which means that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

   
   36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” (John 19:36-37).

   Application: Undoubtedly, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Messiah. There are just too many prophecies fulfilled, which cannot be ignored. God planned everything to completion. Our response is faith, to believe in Jesus, who He is, and the significance of what He did.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why didn’t the soldiers break Jesus’ legs?

2. What happened when the soldier pierced Jesus’ side?

3. Why does John emphasize the fulfillment of prophecy?