Gethsemane
Jesus and His disciples left the Upper Room and crossed the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane, a place where Jesus prayed often. Here he agonized in prayer over the events to occur shortly. Meanwhile, His disciples fell asleep.
Arrest
In those early morning hours Judas led a band of leaders and soldiers to the garden to arrest Jesus. Peter, ready to defend Christ, cut off the ear of a servant. Although Jesus was able to overcome the group, He did not do so. He was taken away; betrayed by a kiss. The disciples fled into the night.
Trial #1 Annas
Jesus was brought to Annas, the ex-high priest and father-in-law of Caiaphas. This first trial was probably brief and preliminary in nature.
Trial #1 Caiphas
Next Christ was sent to Caiaphas, the high priest. The Sanhedrin was present at a "kangaroo court" where false witnesses testified against Jesus. Jesus "admitted" that He was the Messiah. Caiaphas and the council agreed that He should be executed as a blasphemer. (Note: If the same laws were in effect at this point as were about 100-200 years later, this trial violated many facets of Jewish law)
Peter's Denial
While Jesus (and John) were inside Caiaphas' house, Peter remained outside. When asked by the people in the courtyard if he was an associate of Christ, Peter denied the Lord three times.
Trial #3 Council
The formal condemnation of Jesus took place after dawn on Friday morning.
Judas' Suicide
Judas had remorse over his terrible deed. When he tried to return the money, the religious leaders were ambivalent. Throwing the money down, he left the Temple and went to hang himself.
Trial #4 Pilate
The Jews brought Jesus to Pilate to have Him executed for Rebellion against Ceaser. Pilate realized that Jesus was not guilty of their charges and had Him sent to Herod since Jesus was a Galilean.
Trial #5 Herod
Herod was glad to meet Jesus and hoped to see a miracle. Jesus remained silent, however, and Herod ended up sending Him, dressed in royal robes, back to Pilate.
Trial #6 Pilate
Pilate tried to placate the Jews by giving them a choice between releasing Jesus or the notorious criminal, Barabbas. The result shocked him as the frenzied crowd screamed for him to free Barabbas and crucify Christ. Pilate washed his hands of the matter but, nevertheless consented to the wished of the crowd.
Jesus Beaten and Mocked
Jesus was whipped, taunted, crowned with thorns, clubbed on the head, spat upon, and "worshipped" in jest.
Road to the Cross
On the road to Golgotha, the Place of the Skull, Simon of Cyrene carried the cross for Christ. Many people followed and some women cried for Him. This is why the road is known as the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrow.
On the Cross
Jesus was crucified between two criminals. He was on the cross from 9 AM, died at 3 PM, and was removed at 6 PM. Here is what happened during that time:
- soldiers gambled for His robe
- He said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do."
- conversation with and conversion of penitent thief
- He said, "Tpday, you will be with Me in Paradise."
- He said, "Woman, behold your son!"
- He said, "Behold, your mother!"
- 12 PM -- 3 hours of darkness begins
- He said, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me!"
- given sponge with vinegar to drink
- He said, "It is finished. Father, into They hands I commend my spirit."
Death
At the time of Jesus' death, the veil in the Temple was torn in half down the middle. An earthquake rocked the city, and many dead believers were raised. A centurion present at the crucifixion testified to the special nature of Christ. When the soldiers came to hasten death by breaking the legs, they found that Jesus was already dead. They thrust a spear in His side to make sure that He had truly died.
Burial
Joseph of Arimathea requested the body of Jesus. With Nicodemus, he hastily prepared the body for burial before the Sabbath started. The women anticipated coming back to finish the job.
