Jesus Christ, Crucifixion of

There are many prophecies about the death and crucifixion of the Savior from the Old Testament: they pierced my hands and my feet, Ps. 22:16; poured out his soul unto death, Isa. 53:12 (Mosiah 14:12); they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, Zech. 12:10 (John 19:37); and what are these wounds in thine hands, Zech. 13:6. In Matthew 26:2, the Savior foretold his disciples that he would be crucified. The Sanhedrin plotted his death and convinced Pilate to have the Savior crucified. They were so blind and caught up in themselves and their positions that they missed who the Savior truly was. On the cross the Savior said seven things. First, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Again the Savior extends his mercy to all. Second, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise (spirit world, JST). This was spoken to one of the malefactors, who was crucified with Him. Third, he spoke to his mother, “Woman behold thy son”; and to John the Beloved, he said “Behold they mother!” He was concerned for his mother until the end. John the Beloved was to care for her. Fourth, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” As the atonement came to a close, Heavenly Father had to withdraw himself so that the Savior could complete the atonement by Himself. Fifth, “I thirst.” Sixth, “It is finished.” He knew that His Father had accepted His sacrifice. Seventh, “Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit.” He bowed His head and voluntarily gave up His life. He had the power to die. There are numerous references, testimonies, and witnesses of his crucifixion in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, as well as some in the Doctrine and Covenants. In the D&C, he clearly states that he was “crucified for the sins of the world (D&C 35:2).” His crucifixion was a very necessary part of His atoning sacrifice. His atoning sacrifice is the single most important event in the history of the world.