"Crucify Him"
Jesus is executed
"Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.
Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.”
But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate 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."
____________________
Jesus is executed by Roman occupying forces
Even though he was found innocent by Roman ruling authorities, Jesus was executed by crucifixion.
A Roman soldier confirmed his death by piercing Jesus' heart, heart cavity and lung with a sword. Both blood and water poured from the penetration wound.
During the crucifixion which lasted about 3 hours, the sky turned dark and the partition inside the Temple which enclosed the special meeting place used by the High Priest was torn from top to bottom never to be restored.
There were 2 thieves crucified next to him. One of them believed in Him and received forgiveness on the spot. A Roman soldier also believed in Him at this time.
His body was removed from the crucifix and placed in a tomb before sundown. The tomb was sealed shut and Roman soldiers were stationed in front of the tomb to further secure the sealed entrance.
There are many resources available to learn more about the crucifixion. Please see our links page for places to start.