Trial and Crucifixion of Christ

When Jesus was a big man, thirty years of age, He preached three years to the people. He went from village to village. He told the people to repent. He told the people to believe that He was the Son of God. Everywhere He went He did good; He never did one bad thing.

Jesus had twelve disciples, (followers). One evening He took three disciples to a quiet hillside. Jesus had told them He must die. But He told them He would rise again. Jesus prayed that God would help Him at this hard time. He knew He must die for the people. One of Jesus' followers was not true. His name was Judas. For money he let a band of evil men take Jesus. They took Jesus as He was coming from a hillside.

During the night, a great crowd took Jesus to three government officials. They took Him to court. The evil men had stirred up the people. The people were furious. They believed the lies the men told about Jesus. Jesus remained quiet. The people asked Peter, Jesus' follower, if he belonged to Jesus. Peter was afraid. He said he did not know Jesus. Jesus stood alone. Evil men covered His eyes; then hit him. They mocked Jesus. They cursed Him. They said Jesus was an evil man. He must be put to death.

The High Commissioner (Governor), Pilate, wanted Jesus to go free. He knew Jesus did no evil. The next day was a big feast day. The people freed a man from the jail on this day each year. Pilate said, "Should I set Barabbas, the murderer, free, or Jesus?" The people cried out, "Free Barabbas. Let us put Jesus to death." Pilate let the people take Jesus. Jesus was whipped. They put thorns around His head. The great crowd took Jesus to a hill called Golgotha. There they nailed Him on the tree. It was morning now. Jesus was on the tree from mid-morning until mid-afternoon; then He died. The earth shook and the sky became dark. Jesus, God's Son, had died.

But Jesus did not remain dead. The third day He was raised from the dead. He went to His disciples. He walked and talked with them. They were filled with joy to see Jesus again. Jesus ate fish and honey with His disciples. He scolded them because they did not remember His words. From long ago God had promised Jesus would die and rise again. Before Jesus went back to heaven, He said these words to His disciples: "Go to every village. Speak to them God's Words. Tell them all people have sinned. But tell them I have died for their sins. Those who believe in Me to be their Saviour shall have eternal life. Those who believe not, God's anger will be upon them. They shall perish."

Today Christians remember when Jesus died and rose again. They remember when Jesus took their sins away and made them new inside. They know that Jesus is listening and hears their prayers. He shows them His good way to live. Do you belong to Jesus? If not, believe He died for your sins, and ask Him to come into your heart today. He will put His life into you and you will belong to Him.