The Jewish leaders had gone to Pilate and asked for the legs of the three men on the cross be broken to speed their deaths. (For the sake of the Sabbath to be kept undefiled. See Deuteronomy 21:22-23)

(NASB) John 19:32-33 “So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him;

33 but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.”

(NASB) John 19:36 “for these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, “˜NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN.”™”

God”™s unthwarted purpose:

1. The religious laws were adhered to:

By the religious leaders

For God”™s words to be fulfilled

(NASB) Psalm 34:20 “He keeps all his bones,

Not a one will be broken.”

2. Co-operation of Rome with the Jewish religious customs

3. Through the disciplined and seasoned Roman soldiers

God”™s purposes are never thwarted! When it seems impossible, when people are involved (whether they are followers of Christ or not) it makes no difference! God”™s purposes are always going to happen for His honor and His glory.

What causes you anxiety, consternation and/or fear? Remember:

(NIV) Isaiah 14:27 “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?

His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”

How shall you now trust God?