²⁸Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”#19:28 See Pss 22:15; 69:21. ²⁹A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. ³⁰When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ³¹It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. ³²So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. ³³But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. ³⁴One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. ³⁵(This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.#19:35 Some manuscripts read that you also may believe.) ³⁶These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,”#19:36 Exod 12:46; Num 9:12; Ps 34:20. ³⁷and “They will look on the one they pierced.”#19:37 Zech 12:10.