What events transpired during the crucifixion of Jesus?

The Setting and Context

The crucifixion of Jesus took place in Jerusalem during the time of the Passover Festival, as confirmed by all four Gospels (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19). Roman crucifixion was specifically designed to be a harsh, public spectacle—a demonstration of the empire’s power and a deterrent to rebellion. The historical context aligns with archaeological insights regarding Roman execution methods, such as the remains of crucifixion victims found near Jerusalem (e.g., the famed Yohanan ben Ha’galgol skeletal evidence). These artifacts support the Gospel narrative describing nails driven through the wrists/forearms and feet.

Trial and Condemnation

Just before the crucifixion, Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, who, under pressure from certain Jewish leaders and the crowd, sentenced Him to death (Matthew 27:24–26). Pilate himself found no guilt in Jesus but yielded to the demands for His crucifixion (Luke 23:13–24). The Roman governor controversially washed his hands as a symbolic gesture, distancing himself from the decision, thereby solidifying the legal condemnation that allowed the crucifixion to proceed.

Scourging and the Journey to Golgotha

After the sentencing, Jesus was scourged—a brutal process involving whip-like instruments (John 19:1). Roman soldiers mocked Him, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and draped Him with a purple robe (John 19:2–3).

Jesus then was forced to carry His own cross, or at least the crossbeam, toward Golgotha (also called Calvary), which means “Place of the Skull” (John 19:17). Along the way, Simon of Cyrene was pressed into service to help carry the cross (Mark 15:21).

The Crucifixion Site

Golgotha’s location just outside the city walls of Jerusalem (John 19:20) was typical for Roman crucifixions, as they were often carried out along major roads. Various archaeological and historical studies place Golgotha near what is now the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or possibly another site known as Gordon’s Calvary. The Gospels’ consistency in stressing its proximity to the city helps corroborate historical descriptions of Roman executions taking place in prominent areas.

Nailing to the Cross

At Golgotha, Jesus was offered wine mixed with gall or myrrh (Matthew 27:33–34; Mark 15:23). When He tasted it, He refused its full effect.

The soldiers then nailed Jesus to the cross (John 20:25 implies nails piercing). They also crucified two criminals alongside Him (Luke 23:32–33). A sign (titulus) reading “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” was placed above His head (John 19:19). The Gospels note chief priests and others protesting this title, but Pilate would not change it (John 19:21–22).

Fulfillment of Prophecy through Actions and Words

During Jesus’ time on the cross, various specific fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies occurred. For example:

• Soldiers casting lots for His clothing (John 19:23–24; cf. Psalm 22:18).

• The crowd and passersby mocking Jesus, echoing Scriptures on how the Messiah would be scorned (Matthew 27:39–44; cf. Psalm 22:7–8).

• Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). This quoting of Psalm 22:1 captured both His torment and the prophetic significance.

Darkness over the Land

From about the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (3:00 PM), darkness covered the region (Luke 23:44–45). This startling event has been discussed in various extra-biblical works and may align with accounts of a widespread eclipse-like phenomenon, although the Passover time (during a full moon) makes a standard solar eclipse unlikely. Some Christian scholars cite these records as further evidence of a supernatural event aligning with the crucifixion.

The Seven Sayings on the Cross

While Jesus hung on the cross, the Gospels record seven sayings that He spoke:

1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

2. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

3. “Woman, behold your son!” and to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” (John 19:26–27)

4. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)

5. “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

7. “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

These sayings reflect fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus’ compassion even in suffering, and His complete submission to the Father’s plan.

The Tearing of the Temple Veil

At the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50–51; Mark 15:37–38). This veil had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. The significance is vast: this event symbolized access to God’s presence through Christ’s sacrificial death, fulfilling what was foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system (see Hebrews 10:19–20).

Earthquake and Phenomena at His Death

Matthew’s account mentions a great earthquake, rocks splitting, and tombs opening (Matthew 27:51–53). Additional sources outside Scripture have noted seismic activity in the region around that time, though details vary. These extraordinary events reinforced to onlookers that something cosmic in significance had taken place.

Witness of the Centurion and Onlookers

The Roman centurion and others present, after witnessing the darkness, earthquake, and Jesus’ manner of death, exclaimed, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). This confession from a Roman soldier underscores a strong reaction to these supernatural signs.

Spear in the Side and Verification of Death

To verify that Jesus had died, a soldier pierced His side with a spear, causing blood and water to flow (John 19:34). Medical analyses suggest this indicates the settling of fluids in the pericardial or pleural cavities, consistent with asphyxiation and cardiac stress typical of crucifixion. This detail also fulfilled the Scripture that stated, “They will look on the One they have pierced” (John 19:37; cf. Zechariah 12:10).

Removal from the Cross

Before evening set in, because of the approaching Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea received permission from Pilate to take Jesus’ body down (Mark 15:42–46). Nicodemus, another member of the Jewish ruling council, assisted in preparing Jesus’ body for burial with spices and linens (John 19:39–40). The swift removal from the cross aligned with Jewish customs to prevent bodies from remaining on display during the holy day.

Historical and Theological Significance

Crucifixion was a moment of profound agony and apparent defeat, yet it fulfilled scriptural prophecies (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22) and laid the groundwork for the Resurrection. From a theological perspective, this sacrificial death is central as it provides redemption from sin, satisfying the requirement of atonement (Romans 3:25–26). The Roman historians Tacitus and others mention Jesus’ execution under Pontius Pilate, lending further historical affirmation.

Conclusion

These events that transpired during the crucifixion of Jesus—His trial, condemnation, mockery, public crucifixion between two criminals, the supernatural darkness, the final cries, and the tearing of the temple veil—point to the unique and planned nature of His sacrificial death. Accounts and artifacts support the reality of crucifixion in that era, and the Gospel narrations, confirmed by substantial manuscript evidence, remain consistent in their descriptions. The crucifixion stands as an unparalleled act of sacrifice that Scripture presents as integral to humankind’s salvation.