john 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. - Free Bible Online

      Joh 19:31-42. BURIAL OF CHRIST.

      31-37. the preparation--sabbath eve.
      that the bodies should not remain--over night, against the Mosaic law (De 21:22, 23).
      on the sabbath day, for that sabbath day was an high day--or "great" day--the first day of unleavened bread, and, as concurring with an ordinary sabbath, the most solemn season of the ecclesiastical year. Hence their peculiar jealousy lest the law should be infringed.
      besought Pilate that their legs might be broken--to hasten their death, which was done in such cases with clubs.

JFB.