Golgotha, the two criminals and Jesus' death
On the way to the execution, Simon of Cyrene was seized and made to carry Jesus' cross behind him (Luke 23:26). John names the destination Golgotha, meaning the Place of a Skull. There Jesus was crucified between two others, one on either side (John 19:16–19). Mark records that Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh but did not take it (Mark 15:23). [1]
Pilate wrote the inscription placed on the cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19). Luke records that rulers sneered at Jesus, challenging him to save himself if he was God's Messiah. Soldiers also mocked him, offered wine vinegar and challenged him to save himself if he was king of the Jews (Luke 23:35–38). [1][2]
Luke records Jesus praying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Those carrying out the execution divided his clothes by casting lots, while the people stood watching (Luke 23:33–35). His prayer asks the Father to forgive the people responsible for what was being done to him. [2]
The two criminals responded differently. One insulted Jesus and demanded that he save himself and them. The other rebuked his companion, acknowledged that their punishment was deserved, and said Jesus had done nothing wrong (Luke 23:39–41). He then asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom. Jesus answered, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42–43). [1]
John records another exchange near Jesus' death (John 19:28–30). Jesus said, “I thirst”; a sponge filled with sour wine was put on a hyssop stalk and held to his mouth (John 19:28–29). This was a later offering of drink, distinct from the wine mixed with myrrh that Mark records Jesus refusing before the crucifixion (Mark 15:22–24).
Luke describes darkness over the whole land from about the sixth hour until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. He also records the temple curtain being torn in two (Luke 23:44–45). These events precede his account of Jesus' final cry and death (Luke 23:44–46). [3]
Jesus called out loudly, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” After saying this, he breathed his last. The centurion who saw what had happened praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent!” (Luke 23:46–47). [3]
