Jesus Dies on the Cross

Soldiers led Jesus away to the place called Golgotha, or The Skull. John says Jesus went out bearing his cross, and the other Gospels tell how Simon from Cyrene was made to carry it after him. A crowd followed, including women who were grieving, and Jesus warned them that hard days were coming.

At Golgotha they crucified Jesus, with one man on each side. Matthew and Mark say he was first offered wine mixed with gall or myrrh, but he did not take it. Soldiers divided his clothes by casting lots. A notice above him named him the King of the Jews. John says Pilate wrote it, and it was in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

People stood watching, and passers-by, rulers, and soldiers mocked Jesus and told him to save himself. Luke records that Jesus asked the Father to forgive them. In Luke, one criminal insulted him, but the other said Jesus had done nothing wrong and asked to be remembered when Jesus came into his kingdom. Jesus told him he would be with him in Paradise that day.

John says several women stood by the cross, including Jesus' mother and Mary Magdalene. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved and placed them in each other's care. The other Gospels also mention women who had followed Jesus from Galilee, watching from a distance. Later Jesus said he was thirsty, and sour wine was lifted to him on a sponge.

From about midday until mid-afternoon, darkness covered the land. Jesus cried out, asking why God had forsaken him, and some bystanders thought he was calling for Elijah. John records, 'It is finished,' and Luke records, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.' Then Jesus gave up his spirit.

When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn in two. Matthew also tells of an earthquake and tombs opened, with many holy people appearing after Jesus rose. The centurion responded in awe. Luke says he called Jesus a righteous man, while Matthew and Mark record that he said Jesus was God's Son. Because it was the Preparation Day, soldiers checked the bodies. Jesus was already dead, so they did not break his legs, but one soldier pierced his side.