John 19:36 states, "For these things happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “A bone of him will not be broken.” Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20"
This verse is found in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. Roman soldiers were breaking the legs of the crucified criminals to hasten their death by preventing them from pushing themselves up to breathe. When they came to Jesus, they found him already dead and therefore did not break his legs.
The verse means that this event (Jesus' bones not being broken) was not random. It was divinely orchestrated to fulfill specific prophecies from the Old Testament, namely:
Exodus 12:46 & Numbers 9:12 (Passover Lamb): These verses detail the instructions for the Passover lamb, which was to be eaten whole, and no bone was to be broken. By referencing these verses, John is drawing a parallel between Jesus and the Passover lamb. The Passover lamb was sacrificed to save the Israelites from death. Similarly, Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed to save humanity from sin and death.
Psalm 34:20: This psalm speaks of God protecting the righteous person from harm, specifically stating, "He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken." John interprets this verse as a prophecy pointing to Jesus, the ultimate righteous one, and the protection God afforded him, even in death.
In essence, John 19:36 argues that the event of Jesus' bones not being broken is significant because:
It fulfills Old Testament prophecies: This demonstrates that Jesus is the Messiah, the one foretold in the Scriptures.
It reinforces Jesus as the Passover Lamb: This highlights his sacrificial role in atoning for the sins of humanity.
It emphasizes God's sovereignty and control: God was working through these events to fulfill his plan.
Therefore, the verse is a theological statement about Jesus' identity and the fulfillment of prophecy. It connects Jesus to the Old Testament narrative and reinforces the Christian belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, whose life, death, and resurrection were all part of God's plan.
John 19:36 states, "For these things happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “A bone of him will not be broken.” Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20"
This verse is found in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. Roman soldiers were breaking the legs of the crucified criminals to hasten their death by preventing them from pushing themselves up to breathe. When they came to Jesus, they found him already dead and therefore did not break his legs.
The verse means that this event (Jesus' bones not being broken) was not random. It was divinely orchestrated to fulfill specific prophecies from the Old Testament, namely:
Exodus 12:46 & Numbers 9:12 (Passover Lamb): These verses detail the instructions for the Passover lamb, which was to be eaten whole, and no bone was to be broken. By referencing these verses, John is drawing a parallel between Jesus and the Passover lamb. The Passover lamb was sacrificed to save the Israelites from death. Similarly, Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed to save humanity from sin and death.
Psalm 34:20: This psalm speaks of God protecting the righteous person from harm, specifically stating, "He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken." John interprets this verse as a prophecy pointing to Jesus, the ultimate righteous one, and the protection God afforded him, even in death.
In essence, John 19:36 argues that the event of Jesus' bones not being broken is significant because:
It fulfills Old Testament prophecies: This demonstrates that Jesus is the Messiah, the one foretold in the Scriptures.
It reinforces Jesus as the Passover Lamb: This highlights his sacrificial role in atoning for the sins of humanity.
It emphasizes God's sovereignty and control: God was working through these events to fulfill his plan.
Therefore, the verse is a theological statement about Jesus' identity and the fulfillment of prophecy. It connects Jesus to the Old Testament narrative and reinforces the Christian belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, whose life, death, and resurrection were all part of God's plan.