John 19:31-37 (Holy Friday Vespers)

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John 19:31-37 (Holy Friday Vespers)

On the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining 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.  So 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.  But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.  He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth–that you also may believe.  For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, “Not a bone of him shall be broken.”  And again another scripture says, “They shall look on him whom they have pierced.”