This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled
John 19:17-27
They came to Jesus and found he was already dead. – John 19:33
Clarity that Jesus was indeed dead is essential. Some argued at the time and others continue to do so, that Jesus was not actually dead but had swooned to be revived later. Apart from the somewhat absurd suggestion that the Roman soldiers would not know a dead body when they saw one, John adds the evidence of the separation of Jesus’ blood which only occurs after death. ‘One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.’ v34 The breaking of the legs would have guaranteed death before the start of the Sabbath. However, there was no need to break Jesus’ legs and so scripture was fulfilled again in the detail of Jesus’ crucifixion. John is either referring to the prophetic interpretation of Psalm 34:20, ‘He protects all his bones, not one of them is broken.’ Or he is referring to the Passover lamb whose bones were forbidden from being broken. ‘They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones.’ Numbers 9:12
Josh Moody summarises – “We are meant to learn, first, that Jesus definitely died, and so the resurrection was a true resurrection, from the dead. Second, we should learn that the death of Jesus was no accident but a planned and prophesied event, connected to the Passover lamb of God, given to us as a fulfilment of all that the Exodus lamb represented, by finally and completely taking away the sins of God’s people.” (John 13-21 for you.)