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New Testament · Luke 23:26-49

The Crucifixion of Jesus

In Luke 23:26-49, Jesus is led to crucifixion, with Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross behind him. Jesus speaks to the mourning women, is crucified between two criminals, and promises paradise to the repentant criminal. Darkness covers the land from the sixth to the ninth hour, the temple curtain is torn, and Jesus dies after committing his spirit to the Father. The centurion praises God and declares Jesus righteous; the crowds mourn while Jesus’ acquaintances and the women from Galilee watch from a distance.

Coloring pages: 8Age/complexity: Explore (ages 3–5) · Imagine (ages 6–8) · Discover (ages 9–12)

Lesson resource collection

Color the story, one scene at a time.

Choose individual pages for your group, or print a coordinated story sheet when one is available.

Print The Crucifixion of Jesus: 4-Scene Story Sheet

Jesus walking ahead of Simon of Cyrene as Simon carries the cross behind him on the road from Jerusalem, shown symbolically and without graphic details.

Simon Helps Carry the Cross

Luke 23:26-49

Jesus speaks to mourning women of Jerusalem as a crowd follows along the road to crucifixion.

Jesus Speaks to the Mourning Women

Luke 23:26-49

Symbolic scene of Jesus at the center of three crosses at the place called The Skull, with two unnamed criminals on either side.

The Place Called The Skull

Luke 23:26-49

A reverent symbolic scene of Jesus praying near the cross at The Skull while those responsible for the crucifixion are present.

Jesus Prays for Forgiveness

Luke 23:26-49

Jesus on the cross with a written notice above him identifying him as the King of the Jews, while rulers, soldiers, and one criminal mock him.

The Notice Above Jesus

Luke 23:26-49

Jesus between two unnamed criminals at the crucifixion, with one asking Jesus to remember him and a peaceful symbolic representation of paradise.

A Promise of Paradise

Luke 23:26-49

Symbolic illustration of the land beneath a darkened sky with a simple temple curtain torn in two, representing Luke 23:44–45.

Darkness Covers the Land

Luke 23:26-49

Jesus on the cross at the place called The Skull, with the centurion nearby praising God and declaring Jesus righteous while mourners and Jesus’ followers observe from a distance.

The Centurion Praises God

Luke 23:26-49

Scripture reference

Luke 23:26-49

Use this reference as you prepare and read the account with your class.

Talk together

A thoughtful question