Free Bible Version

1 Early the next morning, the chief priest, elders, and religious teachers—the whole governing council—came to a decision. They had Yashua (Jesus) bound and sent him to be handed over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” “You said it,” Yashua (Jesus) replied. 3 Pilate questioned him again, “Aren't you going to answer? See how many charges they're bringing against you!” 4 But Yashua (Jesus) didn't give any more answers, much to Pilate's surprise. 5 Now it was Pilate's custom at the Passover feast to release a prisoner to the people, whoever they requested. 6 “Do you want me to release to you the King of Jews?” he asked them, 7 “Then what should I do with the one you call the King of the Jews?” he asked them. 8 “Crucify him!” they shouted back. 9 “Why? What crime has he committed?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted back even louder. 10 Wanting to please the mob, Pilate released Barabbas to them. First he had Yashua (Jesus) flogged and then handed him over to be crucified. 11 The soldiers took him away into the Praetorium courtyard, where they called out the whole battalion. 12 Then they saluted him, saying, “Hail King of the Jews!” 13 They repeatedly beat him around the head with a rod, spat at him, and fell on their knees before him as if in worship. 14 After they finished mocking him, they took off the purple robes, and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him away to be crucified. 15 They forced a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the countryside, to carry his cross. Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus. 16 They brought Yashua (Jesus) to the place called Golgotha, which means “the Place of the Skull.” 17 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he refused it. 18 Then they crucified him. They divided his clothes, and threw dice to decide who would have what. 19 A sign with the written charge against him read: “The King of the Jews.” 20 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his left and one on his right. 21 People passing by shouted insults at him, shaking their heads, and saying. “Aha! You who claimed you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days; 22 save yourself and come down from the cross!” 23 Likewise the chief priests and the religious teachers made fun of him, saying to each other, “He saved others, but he can't save himself. 24 If he really is the Messiah, the King of Israel, then why doesn't he come down from the cross so we can see and believe!” Even those who were crucified with him insulted him. 25 At three o'clock Yashua (Jesus) cried out, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God (Elohim), my God (Elohim), why have you abandoned me?” 26 Some of those standing there heard this, and said, “He's calling for Elijah.” 27 One man ran and filled a sponge with vinegar, put it on a stick, and tried to give it to Yashua (Jesus) to drink. “Leave him alone,” he said. “Let's see if Elijah will come to take him down.” 28 Then Yashua (Jesus) groaned loudly, and died. 29 When the centurion standing there in front of Yashua (Jesus) saw how he died, he said, “This man was truly the Son of God (Elohim).” 30 Some women were watching from a distance including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and Joses, and Salome. 31 They had followed Yashua (Jesus) and had taken care of him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come with him to Jerusalem were also there. 32 It was Friday, the day before the Sabbath. When evening came, 33 Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the governing council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God (Elohim), had the courage to go to Pilate and ask for Yashua (Jesus)' body. 34 Pilate was surprised that Yashua (Jesus) had died so soon, so he summoned the centurion and asked him if Yashua (Jesus) had already died. 35 Once he had confirmation from the centurion, Pilate gave permission for Joseph to take the body. 36 Joseph bought a linen sheet. Then he took Yashua (Jesus)' body down from the cross and wrapped it in the sheet, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of rock. Then he rolled a heavy stone up against the entrance.