1Så snart det blev lyst,[1] afsagde ypperstepræsterne og de øvrige ledere deres officielle dom, som lød på dødsstraf. (Mark 15,1; Luk 23,1)2Derefter blev Jesus bundet og ført til den romerske guvernør, der hed Pilatus.
Judas begår selvmord
3Da forræderen, Judas, så, at Jesus blev dømt til døden, fortrød han, hvad han havde gjort. Han returnerede de 30 sølvmønter til ypperstepræsterne og de øvrige ledere.4„Jeg har begået en fejl,” sagde han. „Jeg er skyld i, at en uskyldig mand er blevet dømt til døden.” „Hvad kommer det os ved?” svarede de. „Det bliver din sag.”5Så smed Judas pengene ind i templet og gik ud og hængte sig.6Ypperstepræsterne samlede pengene op. „Vi kan ikke lægge dem i templets indsamlingsbøsse,” sagde de til hinanden. „Der klæber blod ved de penge, så de kan ikke bruges til arbejdet i templet.”7Sagen blev drøftet, og man besluttede at købe den mark, hvor pottemagerne hentede deres ler. Den kunne bruges som begravelsesplads for de fremmede, der døde i Jerusalem.8Det er forklaringen på, at det sted stadig kaldes for „Blodmarken”.9Sådan opfyldtes det, som profeten Jeremias havde talt om: „De tog 30 sølvmønter—det var alt, hvad Israels folk vurderede ham til—10og de brugte dem til at købe pottemagermarken, som Herren havde sagt til mig.”[2] (Zak 11,12)
Jesus i forhør hos Pilatus
11Jesus blev nu ført frem for den romerske guvernør. „Er du jødernes konge?” spurgte han. „Det kan man godt sige,” svarede Jesus. (Mark 15,2; Luk 23,2)12Men da ypperstepræsterne og de øvrige jødiske ledere fremførte deres anklager, tav han.13„Hører du ikke, hvad de beskylder dig for?” spurgte Pilatus.14Men Jesus tav stadig, og det undrede guvernøren sig meget over.
Pilatus bliver presset til at lade Jesus korsfæste
15Der var tradition for, at guvernøren hvert år i anledning af påsken løslod en jødisk fange. Folket måtte selv vælge, hvem det skulle være. (Mark 15,6; Luk 23,13; Joh 18,39)16På det tidspunkt sad der en berygtet forbryder i fængsel. Han hed Barabbas.17Da folket nu stimlede sammen, spurgte Pilatus dem: „Hvem vil I helst have, at jeg skal løslade: Barabbas eller Jesus, som kaldes Messias?”18Han var nemlig godt klar over, at det var af ren og skær misundelse, de havde slæbt Jesus for retten.19Desuden havde Pilatus, mens han sad dér på dommersædet, modtaget følgende besked fra sin kone: „Lad den uskyldige mand være i fred. Jeg har i nat haft en forfærdelig drøm på grund af ham.”20Men ypperstepræsterne og de øvrige ledere fik menneskemængden overtalt til at kræve Barabbas løsladt og Jesus henrettet.21Da guvernøren gentog spørgsmålet: „Hvem af de to skal jeg løslade?” råbte mængden derfor: „Barabbas!”22„Hvad skal jeg så gøre med Jesus, som kaldes Messias?” „Han skal korsfæstes!” råbte mængden.23„Hvorfor det? Hvad ondt har han gjort?” Men de råbte blot endnu højere: „Han skal korsfæstes!”24Da Pilatus så, at han ikke kom nogen vegne, og at det var ved at udvikle sig til gadeoptøjer, sendte han bud efter et fad med vand. Mens han vaskede sine hænder foran den store folkemængde, sagde han: „Jeg er uskyldig i denne mands død. Det bliver jeres ansvar.”25Hele mængden råbte tilbage: „Ja, vi påtager os skylden for hans død, vi og vores efterkommere!”26Derefter løslod han Barabbas og gav ordre til, at Jesus skulle piskes og derefter korsfæstes.
De romerske soldater gør nar af jødernes konge
27Guvernørens soldater tog Jesus med ind i kasernen og kaldte hele garnisonen sammen. (Mark 15,16; Joh 19,2)28-29Så rev de tøjet af ham og klædte ham ud som konge med en skarlagenrød kappe og en krone flettet af tornede grene på hovedet. Som scepter gav de ham en kæp i højre hånd, og så kastede de sig på knæ foran ham. „Længe leve jødernes konge!” råbte de hånligt.30Så spyttede de på ham, rev kæppen ud af hånden på ham og slog ham i hovedet med den.31Da de til sidst blev trætte af at gøre nar af ham, trak de kappen af ham og gav ham hans eget tøj på. Derefter førte de ham af sted for at korsfæste ham.
Jesus bliver korsfæstet og derefter hånet af de jødiske ledere
32På vejen derud traf de på en mand fra Kyrene. Han hed Simon. Ham tvang de til at bære Jesu kors. (Mark 15,21; Luk 23,26; Joh 19,17)33De gik hen til det sted, som kaldes Golgata (det betyder „Hovedskalsstedet”).34Her ville soldaterne give Jesus lidt vin med et bedøvelsesmiddel i, men da han havde smagt på det, ville han ikke drikke det.35De naglede ham til korset og gav sig derefter til at rafle om hans tøj.[3] (Salm 22,19)36Nogle satte sig ned for at holde vagt,37mens andre anbragte et skilt på korset over hans hoved med anklagen imod ham. Der stod: „Det her er Jesus, jødernes konge”.38Derefter blev to forbrydere korsfæstet, og deres kors blev rejst på hver sin side af Jesus.39Folk, der kom forbi, rystede på hovedet og hånede ham:40„Det var dig, der ville rive templet ned og bygge det op igen inden tre dage. Red nu dig selv, hvis du er Guds Søn! Kom ned fra korset!”41Også ypperstepræsterne, de skriftlærde og de øvrige ledere hånede Jesus:42„Den er god med ham!” sagde de. „Andre har han reddet, men sig selv kan han ikke redde! Og han skulle være Israels konge? Lad ham nu tage og stige ned fra korset, så skal vi nok tro på ham!43Han siger, at han stoler på Gud, og at han er Guds Søn. Så burde Gud også komme og redde ham!”44Han blev også hånet af de to forbrydere, som var korsfæstet ved siden af ham.
Jesus dør
45Ved tolvtiden blev der mørkt over hele landet, og mørket varede til klokken tre. (Mark 15,33; Luk 23,44; Joh 19,28)46Klokken tre råbte Jesus højt: „Eli, Eli! Lema sabaktani!” Det betyder: „Min Gud! Min Gud! Hvorfor har du forladt mig?”[4] (Salm 22,2)47Soldaterne, som holdt vagt, forstod ikke, hvad han sagde, men nogle mente, han kaldte på Elias.48En af dem løb hurtigt hen for at hente en svamp og hældte billig, sur vin på den. Derefter anbragte han svampen på en stang og holdt den op til Jesus for at han kunne drikke.49De andre sagde: „Lad os se, om Elias kommer og redder ham.”50Da udstødte Jesus igen et højt råb og udåndede.51I det samme blev forhænget foran indgangen til det allerhelligste rum i templet flænget i to dele fra øverst til nederst. Der kom et jordskælv, så nogle klipper revnede,52og der blev åben adgang til adskillige gravkamre. Mange af de gudfrygtige menneskers døde legemer blev levende.53De kom ud af deres grave, og da Jesus senere var opstået fra de døde, gik de ind til Jerusalem, hvor de blev set af mange mennesker.54Da officeren og soldaterne, som holdt vagt ved Jesus, så jordskælvet og alt det andet, der skete, blev de skrækslagne og råbte: „Den mand var virkelig en gudesøn!”[5]55Mange kvinder stod på afstand og iagttog det hele. Det var dem, der havde fulgt Jesus fra Galilæa for at sørge for hans fornødenheder.56Blandt dem var Maria Magdalene og den Maria, som var mor til Jakob og Josef, samt Zebedæussønnernes mor.
Jesus lægges i graven
57-58Der var en velhavende mand ved navn Josef fra Arimatæa, som var en discipel af Jesus. Han gik sidst på eftermiddagen hen til Pilatus for at anmode om at få udleveret Jesu lig. Pilatus gav sin tilladelse. (Mark 15,42; Luk 23,50; Joh 19,38)59Josef fik så liget taget ned og svøbt ind i et helt nyt lagen.60Derefter blev det lagt i en ny gravhule, som han havde ladet hugge ud i en klippe til sig selv. Efter at en stor sten var rullet for indgangen, gik han hjem.61Både Maria Magdalene og den anden Maria sad lige over for graven og iagttog det hele.
Der sættes vagt ved graven
62-63Den følgende dag var det sabbat. Ypperstepræsterne og farisæerne gik til Pilatus og sagde: „Herre, vi er kommet i tanke om, at den bedrager engang sagde: ‚På den tredje dag vil jeg genopstå.’64Vi beder dig derfor give ordre til, at graven forsegles indtil den tredje dag, for at hans disciple ikke skal stjæle hans lig og udsprede det rygte, at han er kommet til live igen. Det ville være et endnu større bedrag end det første.”65Pilatus svarede: „Her har I vagtmandskab. Gå hen og bevogt graven, så godt I kan.”66Så gik de hen og forseglede stenen og lod vagtmandskabet bevogte graven.
Mattæus 27
King James Version
1When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:2And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.3Then Judas, which had betrayeth him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.5And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.6And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.7And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.8Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.9Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;10And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.11And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.12And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.13Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?14And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.15Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.16And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.17Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.19When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.23And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.25Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.26Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!30And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.31And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.36And sitting down they watched him there;37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.38Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,40And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.48And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.55And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.57When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.61And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
1Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed.2So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.3When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.4‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That’s your responsibility.’5So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.6The chief priests picked up the coins and said, ‘It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.’7So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.8That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.9Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: ‘They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel,10and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’[1] (Jer 19,1; Jer 32,6; Zak 11,12; Zak 11,13)
Jesus before Pilate
11Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.12When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.13Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’14But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor.15Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.16At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus[2] Barabbas.17So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’18For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.19While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’20But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.21‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered.22‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’23‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’24When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’25All the people answered, ‘His blood is on us and on our children!’26Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The soldiers mock Jesus
27Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers round him.28They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him,29and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said.30They spat on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.31After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
The crucifixion of Jesus
32As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.33They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’).34There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.35When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.36And sitting down, they kept watch over him there.37Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.38Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.39Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads40and 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!’41In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.42‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.43He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, “I am the Son of God.” ’44In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The death of Jesus
45From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.46About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli,[3] lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’). (Salm 22,1)47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, ‘He’s calling Elijah.’48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink.49The rest said, ‘Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.’50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split52and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.53They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[4] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’55Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,[5] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
The burial of Jesus
57As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.58Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.59Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,60and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The guard at the tomb
62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.63‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise again.”64So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.’65‘Take a guard,’ Pilate answered. ‘Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.’66So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
1It was early in the morning. All the chief priests and the elders of the people planned how to put Jesus to death.2So they tied him up and led him away. Then they handed him over to Pilate, who was the governor.3Judas, who had handed him over, saw that Jesus had been sentenced to die. He felt deep shame and sadness for what he had done. So he returned the 30 silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.4‘I have sinned,’ he said. ‘I handed over a man who is not guilty.’ ‘What do we care?’ they replied. ‘That’s your problem.’5So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.6The chief priests picked up the coins. They said, ‘It’s against the law to put this money into the temple fund. It is blood money. It has paid for a man’s death.’7So they decided to use the money to buy a potter’s field. People from other countries would be buried there.8That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.9Then the words spoken by Jeremiah the prophet came true. He had said, ‘They took the 30 silver coins. That price was set for him by the people of Israel.10They used the coins to buy a potter’s field, just as the Lord commanded me.’ (Jer 19,1; Jer 32,6; Zak 11,12; Zak 11,13)
Jesus is brought to Pilate
11Jesus was standing in front of the governor. The governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘Yes. You have said so,’ Jesus replied.12But when the chief priests and the elders brought charges against him, he did not answer.13Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the charges they are bringing against you?’14But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge. The governor was really amazed.15It was the governor’s practice at the Passover Feast to let one prisoner go free. The people could choose the one they wanted.16At that time they had a well-known prisoner named Jesus Barabbas.17So when the crowd gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to set free? Jesus Barabbas? Or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’18Pilate knew that the leaders wanted to get their own way. He knew this was why they had handed Jesus over to him.19While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him a message. It said, ‘Don’t have anything to do with that man. He is not guilty. I have suffered a great deal in a dream today because of him.’20But the chief priests and the elders talked the crowd into asking for Barabbas and having Jesus put to death.21‘Which of the two do you want me to set free?’ asked the governor. ‘Barabbas’, they answered.22‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’23‘Why? What wrong has he done?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted even louder, ‘Crucify him!’24Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere. Instead, the crowd was starting to get angry. So he took water and washed his hands in front of them. ‘I am not guilty of this man’s death,’ he said. ‘You are accountable for that!’25All the people answered, ‘Put the blame for his death on us and our children!’26Pilate let Barabbas go free. But he had Jesus whipped. Then he handed him over to be nailed to a cross.
The soldiers make fun of Jesus
27The governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the palace, which was called the Praetorium. All the rest of the soldiers gathered around him.28They took off his clothes and put a purple robe on him.29Then they twisted thorns together to make a crown. They placed it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand. Then they fell on their knees in front of him and made fun of him. ‘We honour you, king of the Jews!’ they said.30They spat on him. They hit him on the head with the stick again and again.31After they had made fun of him, they took off the robe. They put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him away to nail him to a cross.
Jesus is nailed to a cross
32On their way out of the city, they met a man from Cyrene. His name was Simon. They forced him to carry the cross.33They came to a place called Golgotha. The word Golgotha means the Place of the Skull.34There they mixed wine with bitter spices and gave it to Jesus to drink. After tasting it, he refused to drink it.35When they had nailed him to the cross, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.36They sat down and kept watch over him there.37Above his head they placed the written charge against him. It read, This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.38Two rebels against Rome were crucified with him. One was on his right and one was on his left.39Those who passed by shouted at Jesus and made fun of him. They shook their heads40and said, ‘So you are going to destroy the temple and build it again in three days? Then save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!’41In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders made fun of him.42‘He saved others,’ they said. ‘But he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross! Then we will believe in him.43He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him. He’s the one who said, “I am the Son of God.” ’44In the same way the rebels who were being crucified with Jesus also made fun of him.
Jesus dies
45From noon until three o’clock, the whole land was covered with darkness.46About three o’clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. He said, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ This means ‘My God, my God, why have you deserted me?’ (Salm 22,1)47Some of those standing there heard Jesus cry out. They said, ‘He’s calling for Elijah.’48Right away one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar and put it on a stick. He offered it to Jesus to drink.49The rest said, ‘Leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.’50After Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he died.51At that moment the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook. The rocks split.52Tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.53They came out of the tombs. After Jesus was raised from the dead, they went into the holy city. There they appeared to many people.54The Roman commander and those guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened. They were terrified. They exclaimed, ‘He was surely the Son of God!’55Not very far away, many women were watching. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to take care of his needs.56Mary Magdalene was among them. Mary, the mother of James and Joseph, was also there. So was the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
Jesus is buried
57As evening approached, a rich man came from the town of Arimathea. His name was Joseph. He had become a follower of Jesus.58He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate ordered that it be given to him.59Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth.60He placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb. Then he went away.61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The guards at the tomb
62The next day was the day after Preparation Day. The chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.63‘Sir’, they said, ‘we remember something that liar said while he was still alive. He claimed, “After three days I will rise again.”64So give the order to make the tomb secure until the third day. If you don’t, his disciples might come and steal the body. Then they will tell the people that Jesus has been raised from the dead. This last lie will be worse than the first.’65‘Take some guards with you,’ Pilate answered. ‘Go. Make the tomb as secure as you can.’66So they went and made the tomb secure. They put a royal seal on the stone and placed some guards on duty.
3Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus[1] was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, (Matt 21,29; Matt 26,14; Matt 26,15)4saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” (Matt 27,24)5And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. (2.Sam 17,23; Ap G 1,18)6But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” (Mark 12,41; Mark 12,43; Luk 21,1; Joh 8,20)7So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers.8Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. (Matt 28,15; Ap G 1,19)9Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, (Zak 11,13; Matt 1,22)10and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.”
Jesus Before Pilate
11Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” (Matt 2,2; Matt 27,29; Matt 27,37; Matt 27,42; Mark 15,2; Luk 22,70; Luk 23,2; Joh 18,29; Joh 18,39; Joh 19,3; 1.Tim 6,13)12But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. (Matt 26,63)13Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” (Joh 19,10)14But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
15Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. (Mark 15,6; Luk 23,18; Joh 18,39; Joh 19,16)16And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.17So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matt 27,22)18For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. (Joh 12,19)19Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” (Matt 2,12; Matt 27,24; Luk 23,47; Joh 19,13)20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. (Ap G 3,14)21The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”22Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” (Ap G 13,28)23And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” (Luk 23,41; Joh 8,46)
27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters,[4] and they gathered the whole battalion[5] before him. (Mark 15,16; Joh 18,28; Joh 18,33; Joh 19,2; Joh 19,9; Ap G 10,1; Ap G 23,35; Filip 1,13)28And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, (Luk 23,11; Åb 18,12; Åb 18,16)29and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matt 20,19; Matt 27,11)30And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. (Matt 26,67)31And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. (Es 53,7)
The Crucifixion
32As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. (4.Mos 15,35; Matt 21,39; Mark 15,21; Luk 23,26; Joh 19,17; Heb 13,12)33And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), (Mark 15,22; Luk 23,32; Luk 23,44; Joh 19,17; Joh 19,23; Joh 19,28)34they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. (Salm 69,21; Ap G 8,23)35And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. (Salm 22,18)36Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. (Salm 22,17; Matt 27,54)37And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” (Matt 27,11; Matt 27,29)38Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. (Matt 20,21; Joh 18,40)39And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads (Job 16,4; Salm 22,7; Salm 109,25; Es 37,22; Jer 18,16; Klag 1,12; Klag 2,15; Luk 22,65; Luk 23,39; Jak 2,7)40and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (Matt 4,3; Matt 4,6; Matt 14,33; Matt 26,61; Matt 26,63; Matt 27,43)41So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying,42“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. (Matt 26,53; Matt 27,37; Luk 4,23; Joh 1,49; Joh 10,18; Joh 12,13)43He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Salm 22,8)44And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. (Luk 23,39)
The Death of Jesus
45Now from the sixth hour[6] there was darkness over all the land[7] until the ninth hour.[8]46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Salm 22,1; Heb 5,7)47And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”48And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. (Ruth 2,14; Salm 69,21)49But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”50And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. (Matt 27,46; Joh 10,18)51And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (2.Mos 26,31; 2.Krøn 3,14; Matt 27,54)52The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, (Dan 7,18; Dan 7,22; Joh 11,11; Ap G 7,60; Ap G 13,36; 1.Kor 15,6; 1.Kor 15,18; 1.Kor 15,20; 1.Thess 4,13; 2.Pet 3,4)53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (Matt 4,5)54When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son[9] of God!” (Matt 27,36; Matt 27,43; Mark 15,39; Luk 23,47; Luk 23,49)55There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, (Salm 38,11; Luk 8,2; Joh 19,25)56among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. (Matt 20,20; Matt 27,55; Mark 15,40)
Jesus Is Buried
57When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. (Mark 15,42; Luk 23,50; Joh 19,38)58He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.59And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud60and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. (Es 22,16; Es 53,9; Mark 16,4; Joh 11,38)61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. (Matt 27,56; Matt 28,1)
The Guard at the Tomb
62The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate (Mark 15,42; Luk 23,54; Joh 19,14; Joh 19,31; Joh 19,42)63and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ (Matt 16,21; Matt 17,23; Matt 20,19; Matt 26,61; Matt 27,64; Matt 28,6; Mark 8,31; Mark 10,34; Luk 9,22; Luk 18,33; Luk 24,6; Joh 2,19; Joh 7,12)64Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” (Matt 28,13)65Pilate said to them, “You have a guard[10] of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” (Matt 28,11)66So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. (Dan 6,17)