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.
Cross-references
In John 19:14, the 'Preparation of the Passover' sets the timing that explains the urgency in verse 31 to remove bodies.
In John 19:42, the same Preparation day drives Joseph's quick burial—directly following the request in verse 31.
Leviticus 23:7-16 describes feast sabbaths — the 'special Sabbath' in John 19:31 is the Passover Sabbath, explaining why the Jews were so concerned.
Deuteronomy 21:23 commands removal of a hanged body before nightfall — this law underlies the Jewish leaders' request to take Jesus' body down before Sabbath.
In Mark 15:42, the same Preparation day is identified as the day before the Sabbath, confirming the timing of the crucifixion.
Mark 15:44 shows Pilate verifying Jesus' quick death — this connects to John 19:31 as the request to break legs prompted the confirmation that Jesus was already dead.
Mark 16:1 records the women coming after the Sabbath — the same Sabbath referenced in John 19:31, showing the chronological sequence.
Luke 23:54 also notes it was the day of Preparation and Sabbath was beginning — echoing the same timing as John 19:31.
In Matthew 27:62, the day after Preparation (the Sabbath) is when the tomb guard is requested—expanding the timeline from John 19:31.