37
Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38
Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left.
39
People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament:
40
"You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days - so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you're really God's Son, come down from that cross!"
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?"