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Read Mark 15:24

Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. (Mark 15:24)

Crucifixion ranks right up there on the short list of the most painful and torturous deaths ever devised. In the first century, the cross meant death...but not just any death. It meant the most hideous, anguished death imaginable.

Each time I return to Golgotha and relive the horror of His final suffering, I am more deeply thankful for my Savior’s willingness to suffer as He did in my place. I also realize how inadequate I am to express my profound gratitude.

Read Matthew 27:29–30, 16:24–25

Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. (Matthew 27:29–30)

Knowing in his heart that Jesus was innocent, Pilate compromised his convictions to appease the people and turned Him over to the mob. His fear of people was greater than his fear of God.

Read Acts 2:23, 3:18; Psalm 22:16,18

“God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.” (Acts 2:23)

Jesus of Nazareth had a magnificent obsession: the cross. He was consumed by a compelling sense of divine providence, and each day of His adult life drew Him inexorably closer to the fulfilment of His mission.

Read Matthew 27:21–22

“Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:21–22)

Read John 18:12; Romans 5:8

So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. (John 18:12)

Jesus’ first three trials were religious in nature. The accusation was blasphemy, which was an offense that was admissible only in a Jewish court of law. So when Jesus stood before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin (trials one, two, and three), He was accused of blasphemy. But the charge of blasphemy meant nothing in a Roman court of law.

Read Mark 15:1–2

They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.” (Mark 15:1–2)

Read Mark 14:30–31

“Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” (Mark 14:30–31)

Read Mark 14:37–38; Luke 9:23

“Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mark 14:37–38)

Jesus didn’t just bow once for a brief prayer in the garden and then go out to face His crucifixion. He prayed, and then He went back to the disciples. He then returned to prayer, and then once again came back to the disciples. Three times He went back to pray. This is the movement of submission: “Not My will, but Yours be done.”

Read Mark 14:27–28

Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” (Mark 14:27–28)

Read Luke 22:1–2

Passover was approaching. The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction. (Luke 22:1–2 (NLT))

On His last night with His disciples, Jesus celebrated the Passover as devout Jews had been doing for centuries. Appropriately, He used that feast of remembrance to turn their attention to His own approaching death.