Coach Matt's Districts Photos

The advantage of having paparazzi along is every event is WELL documented. Click on the image below for Coach Matt's full set of Districts photos.

Coach Mark's Districts Photos

1000 years from now, digital archeologists may come across our Districts pictures and realize that we lived in an idyllic time. Until then, feel free to click on the image below to see Coach Mark's full set.

Districts Scoreboard

If you were wondering how you did at Districts, here are the final tallies.

Upper Division


Lower Division

IMPORTANT: April 30th is last day to sign up for the Bible Bee

This is the LAST WEEK to sign up for the Bible Bee, and April 30th (Thursday) is the last day. If you want to sign up. this is the link. This is NOT an official Quiz Team activity, but several quizzers have already signed up, so you would not be alone.

The National Bible Bee is open to everyone 7-18 (as of Nov. 6, 2009). The local round will be held September 12th in Westport, and the winners will advance to the nationals in Washington D.C. A study guide will be available May 1, and it will provide a great opportunity for families to spend time together in preparation talking about what the bible says.

And by the way – it is not all from rote memory, most of it is multiple choice – so kids don’t have to worry about freezing up and being eliminated. There will be many questions which are general knowledge (not tied to a specific verse) and about what it means to be Christian. This will be a very friendly, supportive, and confidence building event.

Right now there are less than 7,000 registrations nationwide. Since the top 300 finalists will be going to the nationals, there is a very good chance of advancing to the finals where you can win the $25,000 to $100,000 prizes. But remember, everyone who participates and learns the Word of God recieves a blessing even greater.

So what now?

So, Districts is over, we're home, and life is returning to "normal". The next logical question on your minds is, WHAT NOW?

• Practices are over for the summer.
• If you want to continue studying over the summer, remember that signups for the local and national Bible Bee are due by April 30
• Bible Quizzing will start up for the 2009-2010 season in September
• We will be studying 1 and 2 Corinthians next year.

A question we often get from parents and teens is "Should we be studying for next year over the summer?" While it rarely hurts to try to get a leg up, it is important not to burn yourself out. Even God rested after Creation, so don't be afraid to take a break from Bible Quizzing.

But stay tuned here all summer, as the Quizzer's Pad will be posting every day.

We're home!

We're home!
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

We're at the Tappan Zee

We're at the Tappan Zee
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Traffic not as bad as expected. GPS says ETA of 3:45 PM.
(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Next stop: Trumbull!

Next stop: Trumbull!
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

GPS says arrival will be at about 3:40 pm. With shore traffic, we're
thinking actual time will be more like 4 pm.
(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Lunch at Wendy's

Lunch at Wendy's
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Departing LEFC

Departing LEFC
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

We will stop for lunch on the way.
(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Church begins

Church begins
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Gathering for church at LEFC

Gathering for church at LEFC
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Today's Schedule

All good things must come to an end, and Districts is no different. We'll be attending Lancaster Evangelical Free Church's 9:00 AM service, and then will start on our way home. We'll stop for lunch along the way, and should be home between 4 and 6 PM. We'll allow the kids to call when we're about an hour away from church.

Leaving for host homes

Leaving for host homes
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Heading back to LEFC

Heading back to LEFC
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

The Adults Table

The Adults Table
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Fuddruckers for Dinner

Fuddruckers for Dinner
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

At the Outlets

At the Outlets
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Speaks for itself

Speaks for itself
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Honoring Graduating Seniors

Honoring Graduating Seniors
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Tie-Breaker Quiz for Upper Division

Tie-Breaker Quiz for Upper Division
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Essex Fells vs Cresskill
(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Last quiz

Last quiz
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Quizzing resumes

Quizzing resumes
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Lunch

Lunch
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Lower Division takes 2nd Place!

Lower Division takes 2nd Place!
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Quizzing Begins

Quizzing Begins
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Opening ceremonies

Opening ceremonies
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Gathering...

Gathering...
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

The Sign doesn't make the man

We have arrived!

We have arrived!
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Leaving Vassi's

Leaving Vassi's
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Gotta love Vassi's

Gotta love Vassi's
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

...in Hellerstown, PA

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

At Dinner

At Dinner
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

And we're off!

And we're off!
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Lower Division Van

Lower Division Van
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Gathering

Gathering
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

(Sent from my 3G iPhone)

Districts Details

Reminders
- Pack a SOFT suitcase/duffle bag, sleeping bag, pillow, and carry-on.
- NO SHORTS for Quizzing
- NO JEANS for church on Sunday
- Bring money for 3 meals: Friday dinner, Saturday dinner, and Sunday lunch.
- We're leaving the church BY 3:00 PM. Please be there at least 15 minutes earlier to pack the vans.

Weekend Schedule
Friday
2:45 PM: Arrive at church
3:00 PM: Depart church
6:00 PM: Dinner at Potts Doggie Shop in Bethlehem, PA
9:00 PM: Arrive at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church in Lititz, PA, then go home with Host families

Saturday
8:30 AM: Arrival at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church from Host families
9:00 AM: Devotions and Announcements
9:30 AM: Bible Quizzing (Part 1)
10:30 AM: Break & Snack
11:00 AM: Bible Quizzing (Part 2)
12:30 PM: Lunch (Provided)
1:15 PM: Bible Knowledge Test (optional)
2:00 PM: Bible Quizzing (Part 3)
3:00 PM: Coaches' Quiz (or tie-breaker, if needed)
3:30 PM: Closing Ceremonies
4:30 PM: Leave for Outlets & Dinner at Fuddruckers
9:00 PM: Go home with Host families

Sunday
8:30 AM: Arrival at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church from Host families
9:00 AM: Church
10:30 AM: Depart for home
12:00 PM: Lunch at Fast Food
4:00 PM: Return to Calvary EFC in Trumbull, CT

Final Sores/Standings for Districts

Scoreboard from Practice


Upper Team


Lower Team


Not Going to Districts

Yeah, I gave unto Caesar on April 15

Standings as of Today

If you want to be on the starting team for Districts, tomorrow night is your last chance. Here are the current standings, so you can see what your goal has to be.

Upper Team


Lower Team

Scoreboard

Polar Pete goes to Washington!

You may remember from various Quiz Team Kickoff our official ice cream man, Polar Pete. Brother of Coach Jim, he is also an army lawyer working down in D.C. This past week, he and his family took part in the annual White House Easter Egg Hunt!

U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Peter Brake, of Trumbull, knew where he wanted to be. He headed up front, where the president and vice president were expected to pass by the crowd.
And thanks to his logistical thinking, Brake now has pictures of himself with both President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden -- and memories of their appreciation for his service to the nation.
"I met the president. He came by right after the vice president did and said, 'Thank you for your service,' " the 36-year-old Brake recalled Friday. While the quick exchange gave Brake's wife time only to snap her husband from behind while the two men chatted, "It was still a great experience to meet the president. He's my commander-in-chief," said Brake, who is also a lawyer.

Noah's Ark in... Hong Kong?

We can learn a lot about God's work on Earth by reading the Bible - as quizzers, we study it to treasure up as much of it as we can in our heart and mine - but sometimes, it can be useful to learn about Bible stories through other means. For some of us, that may be modest presentations like the Tabernacle Recreation in Lancaster. But for others, that might be a bit too small.

[Hong Kong]'s three billionaire Kwok brothers have just the answer for the rising waters threatening the global economy: the world's first life-size replica of Noah's ark, built to biblical specifications off the coast of this recession-struck Chinese financial center.

The message in its 450-foot-long hull, its rooftop luxury hotel and 67 pairs of fiberglass animals: "The financial tsunami will be over," says Spencer Lu, the Kwoks' project director at Noah's Ark, which is opening soon.

The land-bound ark wasn't built in response to the current global turmoil; it has been in the planning for 17 years.

I think what is most amazing to me in the article is that the Hong Kong effort is not the first one! There are other Arks in Turkey, Canada, and the Netherlands.

Preparing for Districts

We leave for Districts one week from today, so now is the time to begin preparing. Both parents and quizzers will want to be thinking about this list.

• Bible quizzing shirt - Please make sure your shirt is clean. If you don't have a quiz shirt, pack a blue shirt
• Bible quizzing portion & question list - You'll want it along for cram sessions in the vans
• Sunday clothes - We are staying for church on Sunday morning, so be sure to bring something nice. No jeans, please! (And yes, you will have a chance to change into comfy clothes for the drive home.)
• Food money - Bring enough money for at least 3 meals: Friday dinner, Saturday dinner at Fuddruckers, Sunday lunch (fast food); lunch on Saturday is provided

We also may stop at the tabernacle recreation or outlets in Lancaster, so you may want to have extra money for souvenirs.

Week 33: Review Luke 13-24

This week (April 16 thru April 22), please review Luke 13-24.

If you want to read the chapters online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

You should now have all 24 chapters of Luke on MP3. If you had missed any of them, and need to get them, please contact Coach Mark. Remember, they are only online for a limited time (90 days from posting).

Study Tip: We are coming up our last practice of the year. Now, it is time to think about the part of quizzing you do best, and focus on that to sharpen your skills for Districts. Are you excellent at memorization? Review your FTVs. Are you a whiz with References? Go over them again and again. Are you better at general knowledge questions? Sit down with friends or family for pop-quizzes. Are you better at bonus questions? Review as many questions as possible from the sample quizzes you have been given. And be praying also. Bible quizzing is a skills competition, but is also a spiritual discipline. Be praying that you keep the right things first, and serve God in everything you do, win or lose.

Upcoming Events:
Saturday, April 24-26: DISTRICTS - Lancaster, PA

Since you missed your Friday comics fix

An Outline of Luke 1-12

As you are finishing up your review of Luke 1-12, consider memorizing this outline of the book. It may help you to remember where you are when you hear a question, by keeping context always foremost in your thoughts. From Bible.Org.

I. Prologue (1:1-4)

II. The Infancy of the Son of Man (1:5–2:52)

A. Two Pregnancies predicted (1:5-56)

1. The Prediction of John’s Birth (1:5-25)

a. The Setting (1:5-10)

b. The Announcement of the Angel (1:11-17)

c. The Doubt of Zechariah (1:18-22)

d. The Response of Elizabeth (1:23-25)

2. The Prediction of Jesus’ Birth (1:26-38)

a. The Setting (1:26-28)

b. The Announcement of the Angel (1:29-33)

c. The Doubt of Mary (1:34-37)

d. The Response of Mary (1:38)

3. The Visit of Mary with Elizabeth (1:39-56)

a. The Setting (1:39-41)

b. Elizabeth’s Blessing (1:42-45)

c. Mary’s Song (1:46-55)

d. Summary (1:56)

B. Two Sons Born (1:57–2:52)

1. The Birth and Infancy of John (1:57-80)

a. The Birth of John (1:57-58)

b. The Circumcision and Maturation of John (1:59-80)

1) The Circumcision (1:59-66)

2) Zechariah’s Song (1:67-79)

3) The Growth of John (1:80)

2. The Birth and Infancy of Jesus (2:1-52)

a. The Birth of Jesus (2:1-20)

1) The Historical Setting (2:1-3)

2) The Birth in Bethlehem (2:4-7)

3) The Witnesses of the Birth (2:8-20)

a) The Announcement by Angels (2:8-14)

b) The Visit by Shepherds (2:15-20)

b. The Circumcision and Maturation of Jesus (2:21-52)

1) The Circumcision (2:21-24)

2) Simeon’s Song and Anna’s Prophecy (2:25-38)

3) The Growth of Jesus (2:39-52)

a) Statement: Growth in Wisdom (2:39-40)

b) Example of Growth in Wisdom: The Boy Jesus at the Temple (2:41-50)

c) Statement: Growth in Wisdom and Stature (2:51-52)

III. The Preparation of the Son of Man for Public Ministry (3:1–4:13)

A. Preparation by John the Baptist (3:1-20)

1. Setting (3:1-6)

a. Historical (3:1-3)

b. Prophetic (3:4-6)

2. The Preaching of John (3:7-18)

3. The Imprisonment of John (3:19-20)

B. Preparation by Jesus’ Baptism (3:21-22)

C. Preparation by Jesus’ Pedigree (Genealogy) (3:23-38)

D. Preparation by Jesus’ Temptation (4:1-13)

IV. The Son of Man’s Galilean Ministry (4:14–9:50)

A. The New Base of Operations (4:14-44)

1. Rejection at Nazareth (4:14-30)

2. Reception at Capernaum (4:31-44)

a. In the Synagogue (4:31-37)

b. At Simon’s House (4:38-41)

c. In a Solitary Place (4:42-44)

B. The Authentication of Jesus’ Ministry (5:1–6:16)

1. The Calling of the First Disciples (5:1-11)

2. The Healing of a Leper (5:12-16)

3. Confrontations with the Pharisees (5:17–6:16)

a. The Healing of a Paralytic (5:17-26)

b. The Calling of a Tax Collector (5:27-32)

c. Questions about Fasting (5:33-39)

d. Jesus’ Authority over the Sabbath (6:1-11)

1) Plucking Grain (6:1-5)

2) Healing a Man’s Hand (6:6-11)

4. The Election of the Twelve Disciples (6:12-16)

C. The Principles of Jesus’ Ministry: The Sermon on the Plain (6:17-49)

1. Blessings and Woes (6:17-26)

2. Love for Enemies (6:27-36)

3. Judging Others (6:37-42)

4. Two Kinds of Trees (6:43-45)

5. Two Kinds of Builders (6:46-49)

D. The Scope and Nature of Jesus’ Ministry (7:1–8:18)

1. A Centurion’s Faith (7:1-10)

2. A Widow’s Son is Raised in Nain (7:11-17)

3. Jesus’ Commendation of John (7:18-35)

a. The Doubts by John (7:18-23)

b. The Commendation by Jesus (7:24-30)

c. The Capriciousness of the Multitudes (7:31-35)

4. Anointed by a Sinful Woman (7:36-50)

5. The Women who Helped Jesus’ Ministry (8:1-3)

6. Parable of the Sower (8:4-15)

7. Parable of Lamp (8:16-18)

E. The Identity of Jesus Progressively Revealed (8:19–9:50)

1. Jesus’ True Mother and Brothers (8:19-21)

2. Calming of the Storm (8:22-25)

3. Healing of a Demoniac (8:26-39)

4. A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman (8:40-56)

5. The Sending of the Twelve (9:1-9)

6. Feeding the Five Thousand (9:10-17)

7. Peter’s Confession (9:18-27)

8. The Transfiguration (9:28-36)

9. Healing a Demon-Possessed Boy (9:37-45)

10. Greatest in the Kingdom (9:46-50)

V. The Son of Man’s Journey to Jerusalem (9:51–19:27)

A. Instruction in Discipleship in the Light of Jesus’ Mission (9:51–11:13)

1. Summary: Jesus’ Resolve to go to Jerusalem (9:51)

2. Samaritan Opposition (9:52-56)

3. The Cost of Discipleship (9:57-62)

4. The Sending of the Seventy-Two (10:1-24)

a. Jesus’ Message on Departure (10:1-16)

b. The Disciples’ Joy on Return (10:17)

c. Jesus’ Response on their Return (10:18-24)

1) To the Disciples: On Rejoicing (10:18-20)

2) To the Father (10:21-22)

3) To the Disciples: On Blessing (10:23-24)

5. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:25-37)

6. Martha’s and Mary’s Responses (10:38-42)

7. Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer (11:1-13)

a. The Lord’s Prayer (11:1-4)

b. Persistence in Prayer (11:5-13)

1) The Response of a Friend (11:5-10)

2) The Goodness of God (11:6-13)

B. Confrontation with the Pharisees: First Cycle (11:14-54)

1. Jesus and Beelzebub (11:14-28)

2. The Sign of Jonah (11:29-32)

3. Parable: The Lamp of the Body (11:33-36)

4. Six Woes (11:37-52)

5. The Plot of the Pharisees (11:53-54)

C. Instructions in Discipleship in the Light of the Religious Leaders’ Rejection (12:1–13:35)

1. A Sermon on the Attitude of a Disciple: In the Light of Coming Judgment (12:1–13:9)

a. Setting (12:1a)

b. Leaven of the Pharisees (12:1b)

c. Fearless Confession in Light of God’s Sovereignty (12:2-12)

d. Attitude toward Riches (12:13-34)

1) Parable of the Rich Fool (12:13-21)

2) Worry and Treasures (12:22-34)

e. Vigilance and Watchfulness (12:35-48)

f. Not Peace but Division (12:49-53)

g. The Signs of the Times (12:54-56)

h. Agreement with your Opponent (12:57-59)

Standings as of Today

Here are the standings for starting positions at Districts. I have provided a column which indicates how many points separate the various positions and highlighted in red those people with an excellent chance to move up thru points accrued in a single practice. It is still anyone's game, so be studying!

Upper Team


Lower Team

Easter/Resurrection Sunday!

He is risen! Hallelujah!
Luke 24:1-32
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.

9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.

17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

19"What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

REMINDER: Bible Bee signups due by April 30!

We have received another e-mail from our local Bible Bee chairman who has asked us to remind you that signups for the National Bible Bee are due by April 30. You must participate in the local Bible Bee in order to be eligible for the national one.

April is the Last Month to Sign Up for the 2009 National Bible Bee. April 30th is the deadline...

The National Bible Bee is open to everyone 7-18 (as of Nov. 6, 2009). The local round will be held September 12th in Westport, and the winners will advance to the nationals in Washington D.C. A study guide will be available May 1, and it will provide a great opportunity for families to spend time together in preparation talking about what the bible says.

And by the way – it is not all from rote memory, most of it is multiple choice – so kids don’t have to worry about freezing up and being eliminated. There will be many questions which are general knowledge (not tied to a specific verse) and about what it means to be Christian. This will be a very friendly, supportive, and confidence building event.

We strongly recommend quizzers look into this as they are already well-prepared to study and quiz on scripture. And since this is a Bible Bee, jumping speed will not be a factor. To sign up click here.

Please be aware that the local Bee will be the same weekend as the Senior High Fall Retreat. Prayerfully consider which event the Lord would have you attend.

Good Friday

Luke 23:1-47
1Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."

3So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.

4Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."

5But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judeaby his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."

6On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. 9He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.

13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."

18With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" 19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

22For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him."

23But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

26As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' 30Then
" 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!"
and to the hills, "Cover us!" ' 31For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."

36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

38There was a written notice above him, which read:THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." 48When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.