The Crucifixion
The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 15, details Jesus’ arrest, trial and ultimate crucifixion. There are specific directions for the preparation of Jesus for his crucifixion, and it is in this narrative that Jesus is given a cross to bear symbolizing his fate as the sacrificial lamb. Jesus willing offers himself as the sacrificial lamb and while his disciples implore him to freedom and abandon his plan, Jesus is determined to obey God and chooses the “suffering servant” path.
Jesus carries his cross to Golgotha, the place of the skull, the known place of crucifixion. He is stripped and nailed to the cross. There are four accounts in the four gospels of the moments leading up to Jesus’ death. Each gospel gives testimony to the presence of a particular character and the role they played in Jesus’ last hours. Matthew and Mark both accounts that Jesus forgives those who had a part in his death and he offers up his spirit
We learn from the gospel of John of the disciples’ distress and the agony of Jesus’ mother, Mary. John recalls that Jesus said to his mother “Woman, behold your son”, and to his beloved disciple “behold your Mother”. It is at this point Jesus places his beloved friend John as Mary’s protector and guardian in his absence.
The Last Supper and Jesus’ prayer shortly before his death for the disciples, for all believers and for the world are recounted in all four of the gospels. These meaningful words, in particular, impacted the early church and continue to impact generations today.
When Jesus drew his last breath on the cross, intense emotion ensued. In Luke 23:48 we read that the crowd sent up a loud cry, and they began to beat their breasts when they saw Jesus hanging on the cross. The soldiers at the foot of the cross were left stunned at the events that unfolded. The gospels also recount how the earth even shook beneath them. The event of Jesus’ death would change the course of history forever.
The Burial of Jesus
The bible documents the burial of Jesus in the gospel of Luke, and the gospels of Matthew and John. Joseph of Arimathea, the wealthy man who had followed Jesus while secretly, and Nicodemus, a proud Pharisee, came to Pilate to request the body of Jesus, who had been crucified. Pilate was amazed and questioned the request, however, it was approved and the two men took custody of Jesus’ body.
The bible recounts that these two men took great care in wrapping the body of Jesus with linen and spices for preservation, for embalming of the body was customary for this time period. Mary Magdalene, Mary and Salome, the women who anointed Jesus’ body before and after the crucifixion had followed Joseph and Nicodemus to the tomb where Jesus was buried.
Joseph who was a rich man in Jerusalem had purchased a beautiful tomb, specifically for Jesus. In time past, it had been a burial place for the wealthy. Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb just before sundown as the Sabbath was upon them. The disciples later returned with some of the women that had followed Jesus during his ministry to hold a vigil at the tomb.
The account of Jesus’ death and burial is so powerful that through it God’s plan of resurrection and salvation was fulfilled. The bible reminds us in Romans 6:9-10 that by the enduring of Jesus’ death on the cross out of his love for us, the power of death has been broken and we have been given the promise of eternal life.
Prophecies of the Old Testament
The prophecies of the Old Testament have many references to the death of Jesus Christ. Most of these passages are found in the books of Isaiah, Psalms and Zechariah. Some of these prophecies have multiple interpretations, however, many scholars believe that there are some prophecies which clearly identify Jesus specifically.
Isaiah 53 is one of the most recognizable Old Testament prophecies of Jesus’ death. It speaks to the specific ways in which Jesus would die, describing him as an innocent person who would die an ignominious death. It speaks of a character who has no beauty that we should desire him, who would be “despised and rejected by men”. It goes into great detail explaining the physical suffering that Jesus underwent as his punishment.
Psalm 22 is a beautiful Psalm that speaks of the intense suffering that Jesus experienced in his final hours. The Psalm speaks of the words uttered by Jesus while on the cross, crying “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”. In his moment of anguish, this Psalm speaks of the promises of God and offers readers hope amidst his apparent darkness.
Zechariah 12 also speaks of the death of Jesus. It is a powerful prophecy of the messiah who will suffer for the sins of Israel. Zechariah 12 specifically speaks of the people of Israel who will look upon him whom they have judged and pierced, coming to the realization that he is their messiah.
The Impact of Jesus’s Death
The death of Jesus Christ has been considered to be the most significant event in human history. His death was the ultimate sacrifice made in obedience to God’s will, in his service to humanity and in his love for us. This event has changed the course of history, impacting countless individuals and families around the world.
Jesus’ death is symbolic of the ultimate victory achieved through suffering and self-denial. His courageous and obedient death demonstrates unconditional love and renews hope that things can overcome all obstacles, adversity and suffering. His death has caused individuals and communities to come together and be supportive of one another, based on Jesus’ example of putting others before himself.
The impact of Jesus’ death cannot be underestimated, as it was essential for the promise of eternal life. His death and resurrection provided a means through which individuals could be reconciled with God and avoid the punishment of sin. The victory obtained through the death of Jesus laid the foundation of our Christian faith, demonstrating the power of God and his redemptive and fullness of love for us.
When it comes to Jesus’ death, his example continues to impact generations. His death laid the foundation for generations of believers to carry the flame of his memory and teachings, enabling his word and will to be experienced by current and future generations.
The Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus as detailed in the gospels offer hope and assurance of the fulfillment of promises from God. The gospel of John, chapter 20:1-18 records that Mary Magdalene came to Jesus’ tomb and found it empty. Jesus had been resurrected and his body was no longer there, instead it was an angel who spoke to her and told her Jesus had risen again.
In the gospel of Luke 24:1-7, two men came to Christ’s tomb and they were told by an angel that Jesus had risen. The accounts are so detailed and emphatic that some of the readers doubted, however, the disciples were overcome with joy when they heard the good news. Jesus himself appears to his readers in the book and speaks to them. He offered assurance to them and asked them to inspect the nails and wounds that were still present in his body as evidence of his resurrection.
The gospels of Matthew and Mark take the story of Jesus’ resurrection further, offering readers vivid descriptions of Jesus’ physical transformation and appearance after his resurrection. The body of Jesus, which had been broken by crucifixion and death, looked renewed and bursting with life, showing readers that God is capable of fulfilling his promises.
The scriptures also offer us an insight into the emotions of Jesus’ family and disciples upon learning of his resurrection. Mary Magdalene had become greatly grieved and there was an atmosphere of despair as she wept not understanding what had transpired. She could not bear the thought of losing Jesus, however, the presence of the resurrected Jesus gave her solace, providing her with the assurance of God’s promises.
After the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus offers us not just hope, but also a call to action. Jesus comes back to his followers with a renewed mission, one to take his message of salvation and good news to all the earth. He wants to bring salvation to every nation, people, and tongue. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus says “Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”.
Upon return to his disciples, Jesus paints an actionable plan for unification and belonging. Everyone is welcome, and no one is excluded. He gives his disciples access to the Holy Spirit and declares that he would be with them. This message showed Jesus’ disciples, and all of us, the importance of investing in one another and discipling one another in order to ensure that our lives remain centered on Jesus’ sacrificial love.
For us today, the significance of Jesus’s resurrection means being able to walk in the authority of God’s name and in His unchanging promises. It elevates our worth and understanding of His divine favor as we can be fully known, loved and accepted through His grace. It gives us, today, the opportunity to know God on a personal level, understand who He is and how He can work in our lives.
The resurrection of Jesus provides us an eternal, forever hope of peace and serenity amidst life’s troubles and difficulties. By embracing this hope, we have the ability to persevere and battle through all situations certain of our destiny for eternal life.
The Voyage to Heaven
In Luke 24:50-53, the voyage Jesus took to Heaven is beautifully recounted. Jesus speaks the words “do not be afraid, for I am going to prepare a place for you”. In more ways than one, Jesus was reminding the disciples of their place with Him in Heaven. There, He promised them he would welcome them and they would not be alone.
The gospel of Acts reveals that when Jesus returned to Heaven, He addressed the devout Jews who were gathered around Him in the same place where He had recently talked to them. His parting words were “All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth. Go therefore,” he said, “And make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
