Jesus before Pilate
(Matthew 27:11–14; John 18:28–40)

1Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate (armed with a spear). 2And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation {ethnos}, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar (Emporer), and proclaiming Himself to be Christ (the Anointed One), a King.”

3So Pilate (armed with a spear) asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews (people of praise)?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

4Then Pilate (armed with a spear) said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea (land of praise) with His teaching {didaskōn}. He began in Galilee (circuit) and has come all the way here.”

Jesus before Herod

6When Pilate (armed with a spear) heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod (heroic), who himself was in Jerusalem (city of peace) at that time.

8When Herod (heroic) saw Jesus (YHWH saves), he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. 9Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.

10Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. 11And even Herod (heroic) and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate (armed with a spear).

12That day Herod (heroic) and Pilate (armed with a spear) became friends; before this time they had been enemies.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(Matthew 27:15–23; Mark 15:6–11)

13Then Pilate (armed with a spear) called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14and said to them, “You⁺ brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your⁺ presence and found Him not guilty of your⁺ charges against Him. 15Neither has Herod (heroic), for he sent Him back to us. As you can see (Behold), He has done nothing deserving of death. 16Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”[17 Now Pilate was obligated to release to the people one prisoner at the feast.]a

18But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas (Son of Abba) to us!” 19(Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

20Wanting to release Jesus (YHWH saves), Pilate (armed with a spear) addressed them again, 21but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

22A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”

23But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor [and that of the chief priests.]b prevailed. 24So Pilate (armed with a spear) sentenced that their demand be met. 25As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus (YHWH saves) over to their will.

The Crucifixion
(Psalm 22:1–31; Matthew 27:32–44; Mark 15:21–32; John 19:16–27)

26As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon (hearing) of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus (YHWH saves).

27A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him. 28But Jesus (YHWH saves) turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem (city of peace), do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your⁺ children. 29Look (Behold), the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’ 30At that time

‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”

and to the hills, “Cover us <Hos 10:8>!”’c

31For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.

33When they came to the place called The Skull {Kranion},d they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.

34Then Jesus (YHWH saves) said, “Father {Pater}, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”e And they divided up His garments by casting lots <Psa 22:18>.f

35The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him <Psa 22:7>,g saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ (the Anointed One) of God {Theou}, the Chosen One.”

36The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine (to offer Him wine vinegar).h 37“If You are the King of the Jews (people of praise),” they said, “save Yourself!”

38Above Him was posted an inscription [written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew]:i

39One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ (the Anointed One)?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”

40But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God {Theon}, since you are under the same judgment? 41We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus (YHWH saves), remember me [said to Jesus, “Remember me, Lord,]j when You come into Your kingdom!”

43And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The Death of Jesus
(Psalm 31:1–24; Matthew 27:45–56; Mark 15:33–41; John 19:28–30)

44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour (from noon until 3 pm).k 45The sun was darkened [became dark],l and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.

46Then Jesus (YHWH saves) called out in a loud voice, “Father {Pater}, into Your hands I commit My Spirit <Psa 31:5>.”m And when He had said this, He breathed His last.

47When the centurion (commander of a hundred) saw what had happened, he gave glory {edoxazen} to God {Theon}, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man (an innocent man).n” 48And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts. 49But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee (circuit), stood at a distance watching these things.

The Burial of Jesus
(Isaiah 53:9–12; Matthew 27:57–61; Mark 15:42–47; John 19:38–42)

50Now there was a Council member named Joseph (he will add), a good and righteous man, 51who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea (High place) and was waiting for the kingdom of God {Theou}. 52He went to Pilate (armed with a spear) to ask for the body of Jesus (YHWH saves). 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid. 54It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning (was about to begin).o

55The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee (circuit) followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed. 56Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.