The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a central event in Christian theology and is narrated with varying details in the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Background
Jesus, after three years of ministry, preaching, performing miracles, and gathering followers, enters Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. He is greeted by crowds who hail him as the Messiah, which intensifies the concerns of the Jewish religious leaders who see him as a threat to their authority and the uneasy peace with the Roman occupiers.

The Last Supper
Jesus shares the Passover meal with his twelve apostles in what is known as the Last Supper. During the meal, he predicts his betrayal by one of them, Judas Iscariot. He also establishes the sacrament of the Eucharist, instructing his followers to remember him by partaking of bread and wine, symbolizing his body and blood.

Betrayal and Arrest
Later, Jesus goes to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he experiences great anguish over the impending events. Judas betrays Jesus by identifying him with a kiss to the arresting soldiers, leading to Jesus's arrest by the temple guard.

Trials
Jesus is subjected to several trials—first by Jewish religious leaders and then by Roman authorities. The high priest Caiaphas accuses Jesus of blasphemy, a charge that under Jewish law could merit death. However, only the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, has the authority to pronounce a death sentence. Despite finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate succumbs to the pressure of the crowd and the religious leaders, washing his hands of the matter and sentencing Jesus to crucifixion, a common Roman method of execution for criminals.

Crucifixion
Jesus is forced to carry his cross to Golgotha, the place of the skull, where he is crucified alongside two thieves. The Gospels describe various events during the crucifixion, including darkness covering the land, Jesus's interactions with the thieves, and his final words. One of the most poignant moments is when Jesus, feeling forsaken, quotes Psalm 22, saying, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

Death and Burial
Jesus ultimately succumbs to death. A Roman soldier pierces his side to ensure his death, and out flows blood and water. Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, requests Pilate for Jesus's body, which he then buries in a new tomb.

Resurrection
The Gospels conclude the story with the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after his crucifixion, his appearances to his disciples, and the commissioning of his followers to continue his work. This narrative, encapsulating themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the fulfillment of prophecy, is central to Christian faith, symbolizing Jesus's victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life for believers.