Jesus Dies

28 Later, Jesus knew that everything had now been finished. He also knew that what Scripture said must come true. So he said, “I am thirsty.” 29  They put some wine vinegar on a sponge and lifted it up to Jesus’ lips using a hyssop plant. 30 After Jesus drank he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

31 The next day would be Sabbath day. The Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath day. So they asked Pilate to tell the soldiers to break the legs of those men. Then they could take the dead bodies down from the crosses. 32 The soldiers came and broke the legs of the men who had been crucified with Jesus. 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.” 37 Scripture also says, “They will look to the one they have pierced.”

Jesus Is Buried

38 Later Joseph asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph was from the town of Arimathea. He was a follower of Jesus. But he followed Jesus secretly because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. After Pilate gave him permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 Nicodemus went with Joseph. He was the man who had earlier visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought some mixed spices that weighed about 75 pounds. 40 The two men took Jesus’ body. They wrapped it in strips of linen cloth, along with the spices. That was the way the Jews buried people. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden. A new tomb was there. No one had ever been put in it before. 42 That day was the Jewish Preparation Day, and the tomb was nearby. So they placed Jesus there.




Fulfilled prophecies:
1. Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' 
Psalm 69:21: "They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst."

2. ‘It is finished.’
John 10:18 No one takes my life from me. I give it up myself. I have the authority to give it up. And I have the authority to take it back again.

3. No broken bones
Psalm 34:20: "He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken."
Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12: none of the Passover lamb’s bones are to be broken.

4. Piercing Jesus' side:
Zechariah 12:10: "And I will pour out on the house of David and the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced




Discussion Questions
1. What evidence does John give that Jesus really is the Messiah and really has died? Are they important to your faith?


2. “It is finished.” – How does this statement impact your understanding of your salvation? What does this mean for your everyday life?


3. Joseph and Nicodemus were once disciples of Jesus in secret. Now they openly helped with Jesus’ burial. How has your own faith journey transformed from uncertainty to boldness?


4. What is God speaking to you through this story today? How will you respond?