This week, we see the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Golgotha, the “Place of the Skull.” Mark doesn’t focus on the physical pain or even the physicality of the crucifixion. Instead, he gives more detail about the mockery, scorn, and rejection by the religious leaders. After being mocked and offered a sedative to keep him calm, Jesus was nailed to the cross between two criminals under the charge “The King of the Jews.” As onlookers, the religious leaders, and even the criminals ridiculed Him to come down and prove His divinity, darkness covered the land for three hours. In that moment of divine agony, Jesus cried out to His Father, expressing the weight of separation as He bore humanity’s sin. With a loud cry, He gave up His spirit, and the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom—signifying direct access to God through His sacrifice. The very messengers of God’s hope completely rejected the HOPE sent to bring redemption and forgiveness. However, a Roman centurion, witnessing how He died, declared, “Truly this man was the Son of God,” while some devoted women who had followed Him for a while looked on from a distance, remaining faithful even in His death.