Although the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ was the most wicked act of rebellion against the God of Love, it was also fully under His control.  It did not take Him by surprise; it was all known by God and even described in detail in the Old Testament – many hundreds of years before it happened.  In saying, “These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled …”, John was not implying that the soldiers knew the scripture or that they had any intention of falling into line with what God had said.  Rather, God had already recorded what they were going to do, so that when they did it, people might know that it was all in His plan.
 
The soldiers’ refusal to break Jesus’ legs was in line with God’s requirements for the Passover Lamb to be respected even though killed as a sacrifice.  Exodus 12:46 says, "Do not break any of the bones”. Numbers 9:12 emphasises that, and also showed that ‘Jesus the sacrifice’ must not stay on the cross overnight, “They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones.” And Psalm 34:20 prophesied that God, “protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”

Likewise, the pierced side of Jesus was prophesied.  King David was inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21) to write in Psalm 22:16, “… they pierce my hands and my feet.”.  Isaiah wrote, “But he was pierced for our transgressions ...” (Isaiah 53:5); and in Zechariah 12:10 we read, “They will look on me, the one they have pierced…”.  It was very bad, but God was still in control.  Nothing happened that God had not allowed.  Although Christ’s death looked final, He knew it was not.  Although it seemed a pointless waste, it was God’s way of becoming the Passover sacrifice for sin – once and for all time (Hebrews 10:12).  

That is the essence of the Christian faith: that Jesus Christ was God in a human body who willingly accepted the punishment for all our sin – so that those who believe in Him should have eternal life (John 3:16).  This is the only message of hope which God has authorised for sinful people who suffer, often unfairly.  He knows all about suffering and He knows all about you too, and will show grace to those who ask Him (Hebrews 4:15-16).  If you believe it, then trust Him and share it with others (www.crosscheck.org.uk)!