Overview
During crucifixion, Roman soldiers would break the legs of condemned criminals to hasten death by asphyxiation. At Jesus's crucifixion, the soldiers prepared to break His legs but found He had already died, so they did not break them. This event fulfilled messianic prophecy and demonstrated Jesus's unique status as the promised Savior.
Key Scriptures
"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" (John 19:31, ESV).
"Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs" (John 19:32-33, ESV).
Application
Reflect on how Jesus's death fulfilled every detail of prophecy, affirming His identity as God's Son and your Savior.