John 19:31 Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn’t remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), Deuteronomy 21:23, asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him; 33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs. Psalm 34:20 34 However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. Psalm 22:17, Zechariah 12:10 35 He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe. 36 For these things happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “A bone of him will not be broken.” Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20 37 Again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they pierced.” Zechariah 12:10
John records that even following Jesus’ death the ancient prophesies continued to be fulfilled. Because it was forbidden in Deuteronomy 21:23 for dead Jewish bodies to be left out overnight the Jews asked that Christ’s legs be broken to speed up his death. Psalm 34:20 But finding that he was already dead, the soldiers instead pierced his side with a spear. Isaiah 53:5 In both cases John tells us that he personally witnessed these events standing beneath the cross and has recorded them so that his readers can know with assurance that he is telling the truth.
He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe. For these things happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
John 19:38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds. 40 So they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid. 42 Then because of the Jews’ Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Jesus there. Isaiah 53:7-9
Under normal circumstances a crucified criminal would be left on the cross for days as a visual warning for others to be careful not to violate the laws of the land. However, again, in deference to the Jews’ request, Pilate allowed Jesus’ body to be taken off the cross. At that point two of the Jewish leaders who, out of fear had been secret followers of Jesus, got permission from Pilate to bury Jesus according to Jewish customs. Nicodemus supplied one hundred pounds of spices, and Joseph of Arimathaea supplied the newly excavated garden tomb. Jesus’ body was bound in linen cloths with the spices and the tomb was sealed.