John 19:31-37

New International Reader's Version

³¹ It was Preparation Day. The next day would be a special Sabbath day. The Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath day. So they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. ³² The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus. Then they broke the legs of the other man. ³³ But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead. So they did not break his legs. ³⁴ Instead, one of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side. Right away, blood and water flowed out. ³⁵ The man who saw it has been a witness about it. And what he has said is true. He knows that he tells the truth. He is a witness so that you also may believe. ³⁶ These things happened in order that Scripture would come true. It says, “Not one of his bones will be broken.” (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20) ³⁷ Scripture also says, “They will look to the one they have pierced.” (Zechariah 12:10)