by Angela Moreno

The most important trial in history is about to take place.

Jesus has been betrayed, abandoned, and mistreated. He stands silently in front of His accusers and a crowd that once cheered for Him. This time, the crowd is calling for Jesus’s death.

Jesus has just stood before Caiaphas and is now brought before Pilate. Coming out of the Roman palace to see what the crowd wants, Pilate asks what crimes Jesus has committed. After hearing the claims against Jesus, Pilate finds no basis for charging Jesus with any crime.  Pilate then finds out that Jesus is from Galilee and sends Him to Herod because Herod is king over this area.

Herod was excited to finally meet Jesus; he had heard many great things about the miracles and teachings of Jesus. Herod asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus still stood silent. After mocking and ridiculing Him, Herod sent Him back to Pilate because he found no reason to charge Jesus with a crime.  They dressed Jesus in an elegant robe and sent Him back to Pilate.

Upon seeing Jesus returning to the Roman palace, Pilate says, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” (Luke 22:14-16).

But the crowd calls for the release of Barabbas a known murderer.  Pilate once again appeals to the crowd for the release of Jesus.  The crowd still cries out for Jesus’s crucifixion. A third time Pilate, questions the motives behind the charges. However, this time he consents to the wishes of the crowd. Jesus was flogged and sentenced to death (Mark 15:15).

Jesus is forced to carry His own cross to His execution. Having been flogged and beaten, He is too weak to carry the cross with His own strength. Simon carried the cross to Golgotha for Jesus.

It’s 9 am. Jesus is crucified. The soldiers are dividing up His clothing and casting lots for them. A crown of thorns is placed upon His head and sign hung above His head: The King of the Jews. Two men hung on either side of Jesus. One hurling insults, one repenting.

At noon, darkness covers the whole land.  A thick, cold darkness that last until 3 pm. Jesus cries out to His Father, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Mocked, beaten, bloody, and bruised, Jesus is completely alone, suffering on the cross, bearing the weight of the world’s sins on His shoulders.

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last breath.

The curtain in the Holy temple tore in two from top to bottom. A soldier attending Jesus’s crucifixion saw how he died and stood in awe. “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39). A spear to Jesus’s side confirms the death.

In six hours, the deed is done.

The Savior of the world is dead and has taken the sins of the world with Him.