Gospel of John [chapter19 verses 33-37] But when they came to Jesus and
found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, Instead one of
the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood
and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true.
He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you may also believe.
These things happened so that thescripture would be fulfilled: Not one of his
bones will be broken, and as another scripture says, They will look on the one
they have pierced.
The Romams were experienced soldiers. They knew from many previous
crucifixions whether a man was dead or alive. There was no question that
Jesus was dead, when they checked him, so they decided not to break his legs
as they had done to the other victims. Piercing his side and seeing the sudden flow of blood and water [indicating that the sac surrounding the heart and the
heart itself had been pierced] was further proof of his death. Some people
say Jesus didn't really die, that he only fainted and that's how he came back to
life. But we have the witness of an impartial party, the Roman soldiers, that
Jesus died on the cross.