42. "He saved others," they said. "But he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross! Then we will believe in him.
43. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him. He's the one who said, 'I am the Son of God.' "
44. In the same way the robbers who were being crucified with Jesus also made fun of him.
45. From noon until three o'clock, the whole land was covered with darkness.
46. About three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. He said, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" This means "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?" (Psalm 22:1)
47. Some of those standing there heard Jesus cry out. They said, "He's calling for Elijah."
48. Right away one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar and put it on a stick. He offered it to Jesus to drink.
49. The rest said, "Leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."
50. After Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he died.
51. At that moment the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook. The rocks split.
52. Tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
53. They came out of the tombs. After Jesus was raised to life, they went into the holy city. There they appeared to many people.
54. The Roman commander and those guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened. They were terrified. They exclaimed, "He was surely the Son of God!"
55. Not very far away, many women were watching. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to take care of his needs.