Fulfilled Scripture

Fulfilled Scripture. John 19:36 is a fulfillment of Psalm 34:20, and John 19:37 is a fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10. Do you think the Psalmist or Zechariah knew the significance of what they were writing?

31. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

32. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

33. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

34. But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

35. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

36. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

37. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

John 19:31-37, King James Version

Fulfilled Scripture

Again we have examples of some rather amazing fulfilled Scripture in today's Bible passage. John 19:36 is a fulfillment of Psalm 34:20.

20. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

John 19:37 fulfills a prophecy given in Zechariah 12:10.

10. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Do you think the Psalmist or Zechariah knew the significance of what they were writing? Do you think the Roman soldiers knew the prophecies and therefore fulfilled them on purpose?

No, neither of these things are true. Why, then, did the Jewish leaders still continue to reject Jesus with so much evidence staring them in the face?

Do we ever do that? Do we ever refuse to believe something even though everything points to its truth? Unfortunately, most of us have experienced situations where we are so prejudiced that we will not look at the true facts. We have made our decision before we even knew the facts.

Pride! The ugly sin of pride entered the hearts of the Jewish leaders, and they failed to embrace the Lord of Glory.

Let us pray that we do not make the same mistake! How tragic that would be!

Next: Burial of Jesus, verses 38-42