One of John’s themes in his account of the crucifixion is that the death of Christ on the cross was promised long ago, and is in fulfillment of Scripture. With that, I wanted to list here a few ways in which John 19 connects to the words of the Old Testament. This list is by no means exhaustive – more connections could be made. But this certainly represents how well the work of Jesus fulfills the promise of God, and how the Old Testament informs John 19.

• Verse 7 – The punishment for blasphemy is death. (Leviticus 24:16)
• Verse 15 – God alone is King of Israel. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Judges 8:23; 1 Sam. 8:7; Isaiah 26:13)
• Verse 18 – In the company of evildoers, numbered with transgressors. (Psalm 22:16; Isaiah 53:12)
• Verse 24 – Dividing of garments, casting lots. (Psalm 22:18)
• Verse 28 – I am thirsty. (Psalm 22:15)
• Verse 29 – Sour wine given for thirst. (Psalm 69:21)
• Verse 29 – Hyssop plant used for the Passover lamb. (Exodus 12:22)
• Verse 30 – His life was poured out. (Isaiah 53:12)
• Verse 31 – Bodies on a pole overnight were cursed, desecrated the land. (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)
• Verse 34 – God is pierced, a fountain of cleansing. (Zechariah 12:10; 13:1 – see also Luke 2:35)
• Verse 36 – Bones are not broken. (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20)
• Verse 38 – Buried with a rich man in His tomb. (Isaiah 53:9)