Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension
The crucifixion
Jesus was crucifixionRoman method of execution by nailing someone to a cross, often until they die of asphyxiation; used on Jesus and many others. on a Friday alongside two robbers, one on each side of him. A sign above his head read “King of the Jews”. As he was being crucified, Jesus cried out: Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).
One of the robbers confessed to Jesus that he had sinned and said that he and the other robber deserved to die for their crimes. The robber also acknowledged that Jesus was innocent. Jesus told this robber that they would meet again in ParadiseHeaven, a perfect state of being. In Islam it is depicted as a garden..
Christians believe that Jesus’ crucifixion was a crucial moment in his life as this act brought humans salvationThe healing of a broken relationship between people and God. from sin.
The resurrection
After the crucifixion, Jesus’ body was buried in a tomb guarded by Roman soldiers. Early on the Sunday morning, three days after his crucifixion, some of Jesus’ female followers went to anointTo rub water or oil on a person as a ceremony of blessing. Typically an honour reserved for royalty. his body with spices. However, the tomb was empty. Two men in gleaming white clothes appeared and told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead. The women informed Jesus’ discipleA person who follows and learns from someone else. that the tomb was empty.
The resurrectionThe Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after the crucifixion. The rising from the dead of believers on the Last Day in a new, or risen, life. of Jesus is, for most Christians, the most significant event. It is seen as the ultimate miracle and indicates that death is not the end.
The ascension
The Gospel of Luke states that 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples that they must stay in Jerusalem and that they would receive the power of the Holy SpiritThe third person of the Trinity. Active as God's presence and power in the world.. Then, Jesus was taken up into a cloud. Two men in white appeared and told the disciples that Jesus had gone to Heaven.
The ascensionFor Christians, when Jesus went up to Heaven 40 days after he rose from the dead. reminds Christians that Jesus has gone to Heaven to prepare a place for them, so they do not need to fear death. As Jesus is no longer restricted by time, he is always with them. This also affirms Jesus’ divinity, as he did not simply die again after he had been resurrected.