41
The high priests, along with the religion scholars and leaders, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him:
42
"He saved others - he can't save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We'll all become believers then!
43
He was so sure of God - well, let him rescue his 'Son' now - if he wants him! He did claim to be God's Son, didn't he?"
44
Even the two criminals crucified next to him joined in the mockery.
45
From noon to three, the whole earth was dark.
46
Around mid-afternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"
47
Some bystanders who heard him said, "He's calling for Elijah."
48
One of them ran and got a sponge soaked in sour wine and lifted it on a stick so he could drink.
49
The others joked, "Don't be in such a hurry. Let's see if Elijah comes and saves him."
50
But Jesus, again crying out loudly, breathed his last.
51
At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces.