1. Jesus’ Final Instruction
During the Last Supper, Jesus commanded his disciples to remember him. He did not directly specify how. Instead, he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Many people believe this was Jesus’ way of giving instructions regarding the coming events, namely his death and his resurrection. After Jesus’ death, his disciples would remember him through their recollections, worship and the stories they shared with others.
The Gospels allude to Jesus’ death in different ways. For example, Matthew records that Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the cock crowed and that Jesus was betrayed by Judas, leading to his capture and execution. Additionally, Matthew records that Jesus predicted his death and subsequent resurrection. According to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified on the cross, and his body was buried.
2. What Happened to Jesus’ Body?
When Jesus died, his body was taken down from the cross and given to Joseph of Arimathea for burial. Joseph placed Jesus’ body in a new tomb. A stone was rolled in front of the opening. Matthew does not say anything further about the whereabouts of Jesus’ body.
After Jesus’ resurrection, Matthew recounts that the risen Jesus appeared to his disciples. This is known as the “Great Commission.” Jesus gave his disciples the following command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Through this command, Jesus revealed the purpose of his death: so that all who believe in him can find forgiveness and eternal life.
3. The Theological Perspectives
Christians have varying perspectives on the death of Jesus. Generally, they believe that his death was an act of obedience to God’s will and a voluntary offerings of himself in an attempt to save mankind from their sins. According to this view, Jesus willingly accepted death so that through his actions, we could have right-standing with God and a meaningful relationship with Him.
Additionally, some theologians view Jesus’ death as a substitutionary atonement, which means that Jesus died in our place and thereby paid the penalty for our sins. This view suggests that through Jesus’ death, our guilt is taken away and we no longer have to bear the consequences of our actions.
4. The Historical Context
Historically, there have been different theories as to why Jesus died. Some scholars argue that Jesus was killed by the Romans because he was perceived as a political threat. Others argue that he was killed by Jewish authorities as a result of tensions between Jews and Romans in the region. Still, others argue that Jesus was killed as a result of religious and social divisions.
In any case, it is undeniable that Jesus died a violent and unjust death. He was convicted without due process, and his execution was a result of the political and religious climate of the times.
5. The Significance of Jesus’ Death
The significance of Jesus’ death is at the heart of the Christian faith. According to the Christian belief system, Jesus’ death was an act of love and obedience to God that resulted in our salvation. Through his death, we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled with God.
Moreover, many Christians believe that Jesus’ death was a penal substitutionary atonement, whereby he bore the penalty for our sins. The death of Jesus is therefore seen as a great act of self-sacrifice that makes eternal life possible for everyone who believes in Him.
6. The Impact on Our Lives
The death of Jesus has a profound impact on our lives. It serves to remind us that Jesus’ love was so great that he gave up his life for us. His death serves as a reminder that God loves us and forgives us for our sins.
It also serves as a reminder that we must also be willing to make sacrifices for the good of others. Jesus’ death teaches us that true love involves sacrifice and selflessness. His death also serves as a powerful example of how we can use our lives to give hope and love to others.
7. Remembering Jesus
The death of Jesus is a pivotal event in the life of a Christian. We remember Jesus, not only through remembrance of his death, but also through worship and our actions towards others. We remember Jesus by being obedient to his commands, by loving our neighbor as ourselves, and by living with an attitude of selfless service.
By remembering Jesus and honoring his death, we are reminded of the power and love of God. We remember his sacrifice and strive to live our lives in ways that will honor and glorify him.
8. Different Views on the Death of Jesus
The death of Jesus is a highly contested issue within the Christian world. Some Christians see Jesus’ death as a substitutionary atonement for all of humanity. Others see it as a sign of ultimate love and obedience. Still others, focus on Jesus’ death as an act of political resistance.
Due to the breadth and depth of scholarship around the death of Jesus, it is impossible to definitively say what his death means. However, one constant across views is that the death of Jesus was an act of love and self-sacrifice with powerful spiritual and personal implications.
9. Conclusion
Matthew provides a brief account of Jesus’ death and emphasizes the significance and power of Jesus’ love and obedience. Through his death, Jesus models what it means to truly love, and his sacrifice and resurrection offer hope to all who believe in him. By remembering him, we honor and glorify God, and we strive to live our lives in accordance with the love and self-sacrifice Jesus professed.
