Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, OVERVIEW
The soldiers’ mocked Jesus (Matthew
27:27-30), mixing a royal robe with a painful crown of thorns
(Mark 15:17) and compelling a passerby to carry the cross
(Luke 23:26). They then nailed Jesus to the cross and played a
cruel game, casting lots for his garment (John 19:23-24).
They scornfully challenged him to use his power to escape (Matthew
27:40-44). But against this is Jesus’ concern about the repentant
criminal who was crucified with him (Luke 23:39-43).
He also expressed concern for his mother (John 19:25-27),
prayed for forgiveness for those responsible for the Crucifixion
(Luke 23:34), and made one final triumphant cry (Mark
15:37). He showed a nobility of mind that contrasted strongly
with the meanness of those about him. A few observers showed a better
appreciation, like the centurion who was convinced of Jesus’
innocence (15:39) and the women who followed him and stood at
a distance (Matthew 27:55-56).
At Jesus’ forsaken cry (Mark
15:34), there was darkness and an earthquake, as if nature itself
were acknowledging the significance of the event. Even the temple
veil was torn in two, as though it no longer had any right to bar the
way into the Holy of Holies (Matthew 27:51).
Jesus’ death had paved the way for all people to freely enter God’s
presence and worship him. He paid for our sins and brought us back to
THE BURIAL, RESURRECTION, AND
Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb that belonged
to Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was assisted by Nicodemus in
laying the body to rest (Matthew 27:57-60; John
But the tomb played only an incidental part in the
resurrection. The Gospel writers concentrate on the
appearances of Jesus not only on the day of resurrection but
The disciples were convinced that Jesus was alive. Some, like
Thomas, had doubts to overcome (John 20:24-29).
Others, like John, were more ready to believe when they saw
the empty tomb (20:2-10).
The first to see the risen Lord was a woman,
Mary Magdalene (Matthew 27:61; Matthew 28:1,
5-9), whose presence at the cross put to shame those
disciples who had run away (Matthew 26:56; John
We may note that in his glorified, risen state Jesus was in a
human form, although he was not at once recognized (John
20:15-16). The appearances were occasions of both joy and
instruction (compare to Luke 24:44 and Acts
The Resurrection, in fact, had transformed the
Crucifixion from a tragedy into a triumph. His Ascension into
heaven came forty days after his resurrection. Jesus ascended
into heaven to join his Father in glory (Luke 24:51;
John 20:17; Acts 1:9-11
I hope this series on Jesus' Life has helped
you understand and know what all Jesus did, in His life.
There is more to Jesus The Messiah Just follow the links.
In time we will break this series up into
easier to read sections, but for the time being, please enjoy