Last updated on November 7, 2024
Jesus was led, along with two other criminals, to a place called Golgotha. It was known as the Skull. He was then nailed to a cross that he had had to carry on his back. On top of the cross was a sign that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The religious leaders didn’t like this, but Pilate didn’t care.
The crowd mocked him, saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God” (Matthew 27:40)! One of the criminals even mocked him. But the other knew that Jesus didn’t deserve this. He said to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
John was the only one of Jesus’ disciples who was there at the crucifixion. The rest had fled. But his mother Mary was there. And in Jesus’ time of need, he was more concerned about her well being and comfort. He said to John, “Here is your mother.”
After some time, Jesus said, “It is finished. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” And with that he breathed his last breath and died. At that moment the earth shook, and the curtain in the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish Council, came to Pilate and asked for permission to bury Jesus in his family tomb. Pilate allowed it. Jesus’ body was prepared as was the custom, he was placed in the tomb, and a large stone was rolled in front to seal it.
Because there had been rumors that Jesus would rise from the dead, Pilate told the religious leaders the he would put a solider there to guard the tomb.