Jesus Saves
Jesus is now under arrest, and Pilate is letting the people decide what happens to Him. Barabbas, a criminal in jail, is presented next to Jesus. They have the people decide who to let go, and who to crucify. All of the people told Pilate to release Barabbas, and crucify Jesus. But Pilate wanted to save Jesus. Pilate tried to talk them out releasing Barabbas 3 times, but the people insisted. So Plate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. (Luke 23:24-25)
Jesus went with two other criminals to be executd. Many people followed them, some supporters who were mourning and weeping, others who were insulting Him and taunting Him. The whole time, the passerby, soldiers, and even another criminal were jeering 'If you are the Son of God, Savior of Isreal, get down and save yourself! How could you save a nation if you cannot save yourself?'
But here is the amazing part: Jesus loved even the soldiers who were crucifixing Him enough to die for them on the cross. Jesus gave THEM a road to Heaven, and all who were there. It is said even one of the criminals rebuked Jesus and asked Jesus to remember Him. Jesus said "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Then, from the 6th to the 9th hour, darkness came over the land. At about the 9th hour, Jesus cried out, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Someone ran and got a sponde with wine vinegar on a stick, and offered it to Jesus. But people told him to leave Jesus alone, and see if Elijah comes to save Him. Jesus gave a loud cry, and breathed His last.
Now Jesus had said that on the third day He will be risen from the dead. When the Pharisees came to Pilate and told him of this, Pilate had the tomb secured and guards posted so that Jesus's followers could not come and take His body, claiming Him to have risen from the dead.
When Mary Magdalene, with Mary the mother of James, went to Jesus's tomb, they found the stone rolled away and an angel sitting there. The angel said He is not here.