The chapter begins with Jesus being brought before Pilate, the Roman governor, who questions Him about being the King of the Jews. Though Jesus affirms this, Pilate finds no fault in Him. However, due to the crowd’s insistence, Pilate allows Barabbas, a notorious criminal, to be released instead of Jesus.
Jesus is then handed over to be crucified. He is mocked and beaten by the Roman soldiers, who place a crown of thorns on His head. Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus’ cross to Golgotha, where He is crucified alongside two criminals.
While hanging on the cross, people pass by and taunt Jesus, saying that if He is the Son of God, He should save Himself. Darkness falls over the land for three hours, and Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” In His final moments, Jesus breathes His last breath and the temple curtain is torn in two from top to bottom.
The centurion standing guard witnesses these events and acknowledges that Jesus truly was the Son of God. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council, asks Pilate for Jesus’ body, and he is granted permission to bury Him in a tomb.